'We need to be investing more into early childhood education', world's first Pacific ECE professor says

Fa alogo Aganoa Jacoba Matapo, the inaugural Pro Vice Chancellor Pacific at Auckland University of Technology, argues that New Zealand should be the Pacific hub for early childhood education (ECE) in the region. She points out that New Zealand has over 50 years of ECE history, beginning in grassroots settings like garages, church halls, and playgroups.

Matapo credits pioneers like Teupoko ina Morgan and Jan Taouma for establishing this foundation, with the majority of these leaders being Pacific women. She emphasizes that their vision and dedication were rooted in preserving language, culture, identity, and ancestral connections. Matapo's own passion for ECE stems from her upbringing, where her mother practiced cultural healing methods within their home.

With 20 years of experience in the Pacific education sector, Matapo is proud to be the first Pro Vice Chancellor Pacific at AUT, and an alumna of the same institution. She stresses that cultural grounding is crucial for children, giving them the strongest start in life. Matapo also highlights that New Zealand's bicultural curriculum sets the stage for a robust Pacific ECE system.

She believes that language learning should be additive, enhancing children's ability to think differently, understand the world uniquely, and embrace diverse perspectives. Matapo asserts that the early years are the most fundamental building blocks for academic success, particularly for Pacific children. For these children, growing confidence in their identity, wellbeing, and belonging involves understanding their positionality within their culture and society.

She urges the childhood sector to receive more attention, funding, and policy support, emphasizing that the early learning years cannot be underestimated.