Growing up in his village of Vaiafai, Iva in Samoa, Leali’ie’e Dr Tufulasi Taleni never imagined that he would one day be feted as an award-winning educator, and graduate with a UC doctorate.Leali’ie’e is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the University of Canterbury (UC) and the f.
University of Canterbury Senior Lecturer Leali'ie'e Dr Tufulasi Taleni has been recognised for his research and impact in the field of Pacific education, winning two national awards.
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Over 700 people attend the event including veterans, the Minister for Defence Peeni Henare, Minister for Māori Crown Relations Kelvin Davis and Minister for Māori Development Willie Jackson. The academy started in 2010 in response to the worst NCEA exam statistics ever for the region – which saw only 19 per cent of Māori boys in Whangārei passing NCEA level 1. The school pushes high standards, and quickly earned a place in the hearts and minds of 28 Māori battalion veterans, whanau, hāpu and Iwi – and are often called upon to be present at important regional, national and international events as a result.