The school’s Tereora Academy, supported by Pasifika Futures (PFL), is one of six academies at the secondary school and is fully Pacific focused. The academy focuses on supporting and introducing students to a career in the sector of health. 

The academy consists of a team of Navigators whose focus is to also help remove barriers for students from achieving in education and at home. The main challenges for Pasifika students are access to basic needs and financial support for uniforms, food, everyday necessities and relevant sports equipment as well as health, financial literacy and advocacy. 

Director for the Tereora Academy, DJ Tuaru Temu, says sustainability is a key objective for the academy to continue thriving in the future.

“We want to be sustainable across the coming years of our existence; our goal is to be self sustainable in our operations from funding to delivery. We also want to expand our delivery from intervention to prevention being a household name for excellence.”

Principal for Tāmaki College and Board Director for PFL, Soana Pamaka says the relationship that the school and Tereora Academy have with PFL has been key in helping the school offer a wide range of support to students. 

“The work we are doing and the direction we are heading in would not be possible without the support of Pasifika Futures and I mean that in every little sense. Pasifika Futures has enabled us to say yes to opportunities.”

Temu says it is rewarding to see the fruits of the academy’s work and the positive impact on students and their learning, such as the suspension of students having lessened.

Director of Innovation for the Tereora Academy, Anita Sarich, reiterates the importance of not turning students away and ensuring that they are being provided with holistic support.

“Seeing the smiles on the faces of our students and a shift or change in their demeanour and behaviour, as well as knowing that our families are well supported and they know how to access us is definitely the most rewarding part of my work here. We pride ourselves on over delivering.” 

Tāmaki College’s Tereora Academy continues to grow and support students towards success. They maintain that investing into today’s generation is the key to a brighter future as these are our future leaders. They continue to address the needs of Pasifika students and families, emphasising the importance of creating safe spaces and environments for them to thrive.