BEST Pacific Launches 2030 Plan to Transform Auckland

BEST Pacific Institute of Education

Media Statement

2 July 2012

For Immediate Release

Leading Pasifika Tertiary Provider Launches 2030 Plan to Transform Auckland

Auckland needs more Pasifika-focused tertiary education campuses to be established by 2030, New Zealand’s largest Private Training Establishment (PTE) and leading Pasifika-focused tertiary education provider, BEST Pacific Institute of Education, has announced.

The announcement was part of the vision for Auckland and its Pasifika communities launched by BEST during its 25th anniversary celebration and student graduation, held on Friday 29 June at Auckland’s TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre and attended by Prime Minister John Key.

“Auckland’s Pasifika communities have a vital role to play in this city’s future,” said BEST Managing Director and founder Anita Finnigan. “And BEST needs to grow and diversify to help fulfill Pasifika potential.”

Ms Finnigan added that, by 2030, one in every five Aucklanders would be Pasifika, meaning that there was a unique opportunity for Auckland and New Zealand, and that socio-economic disparities urgently needed to be addressed.

“For Auckland to succeed, Pasifika must succeed,” she said. “Our role at BEST is to provide the educational platform for an economic and social step change for Auckland’s Pasifika peoples.”

In partnership with government, BEST aims to establish further campuses in West and South Auckland, as the first step towards BEST’s goal of establishing a total of 12 new campuses by 2030, not only in Auckland, but in Wellington, the Pacific Islands, and Australia. BEST also aims to offer new courses – to bachelor’s and master’s level – in areas like health, sciences, journalism and IT, and to continue lifting the educational outcomes of its students.

“The fact that the Prime Minister joined us to celebrate this milestone and present the inaugural Prime Minister’s BEST Awards says a lot about his commitment to raising Pasifika achievement,” said Ms Finnigan. “We look forward to working as a strategic partner of government in the years ahead to address Pasifika issues and realise Pasifika potential.”

The graduation was attended by over 1,000 people, and in addition to members of Auckland’s Pasifika communities, guests included local and central government officials, education sector representatives, and Auckland business leaders.

END

© Scoop Media