News

March 2013: E-Newsletter

Category:  

Welcome to our Fale

At the Pasifika Education Center (PEC), we believe that Pasifika languages and cultures has a home in Aotearoa. By understanding that home is central to how we teach, learn and practice our Pacific languages and cultures, we help improve Pacific people’s way of life here in Aotearoa.

This is why we have chosen “We are the Fale” as the name and bold statement for our bi-monthly newsletter.

“We are the Fale” is a reminder that we continue to cherish the wealth of our traditional values, and are vessels for keeping our Pacific language and culture alive at home and into the future.

Saying a Pacific greeting – sound too hard?

Category:  

Here are some rules to help you along.

1. One Pacific greeting is OK.

2. Smile.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice…..Read more

Book of the Month: How do you say “Thank You?” by Karamia Muller

Category:  

Last year Karamia Muller was learning the Samoan language through the Pasifika Education Centre’s free language and culture class. She is now the author of a new Samoan language children’s book, ‘How do you say thank you?’, the first in a three part series.

PEC Samoan language student: Alana Bevan

Category:   PEC News

No matter where Alana Bevan goes in the world, there is a good chance she will be able to speak the local language. The 29 year-old is a bit of a language nut. Although English is the only language she is completely fluent in,  she has studied German, Japanese, Spanish and is self-taught in French and Italian.

Diversity of a different kind

Category:   PEC News

Among Pacific peoples there is diversity. But add to that the diversity and experiences of our Pacific world that everyday kiwis bring to the classroom table and you have something quite exciting unfolding says Chief Executive Christine Nurminen.

Pacific Language Classes a Hit!

Category:   PEC News

A new range of compact Pacific language classes to suit the busy lives and interests of adult learners has been a hit says Chief Executive, Christine Nurminen.

Revamped Pacific Language Classes Announced

Category:   PEC News

Commencing on the 11th of February, the Pasifika Education Centre (PEC) will roll out a new range of compact and targeted Pacific language classes to suit the busy lives and interests of their adult learners, says Chief Executive Officer Christine Nurminen. Where previously all five Pacific language classes were delivered once a week all year round, the beginner class is now a compact eight-week introduction to the basics of language; and the intermediate level is a 20-week class focussed on both conversation and culture. 

Adult Learners’ Week 2012

Category:  

Adult Learners’ Week/He Tangata Mātauranga is an opportunity to celebrate the successes and achievements of everyone participating in Adult and Community Education (ACE).
On Wednesday 5th September, Counties Adult and Community Education held an awards ceremony to honour some outstanding Adult learners and educators. PEC’s Samoan tutor Taupaū Olofā Iona received an Exceptional Adult Educator Award and current student Leilua Lusia Pouniu received an Outstanding Adult Learner Award.

PEC’s new leader arrives with traditional values and a fresh outlook

Category:  

Christine Nurminen is an example of all that the Pasifika Education Centre (PEC) aims to achieve for Pacific Island New Zealanders through education.
She is university-qualified, fluent in her native language (Tongan), understands the importance of traditional Pacific Island culture and values, and believes that Pacific can achieve educational success by being Pacific.

But she arrives with a fresh outlook: