Dr. Cherie Chu Fuluifaga | Empowering Education Leading with Pacific Values

In this inspiring presentation, educators and leaders are invited to move toward relational, holistic approaches that honour culture.

In this inspiring presentation, Dr Cherie Chu-Fuluifaga invites educators and leaders to move beyond transactional models toward relational, holistic approaches that honour culture, nurture potential, and enable flourishing for Pacific learners and communities.

She will explore how Pacific values such as respect, service, and relationality can be meaningfully integrated into education systems to foster equity and excellence. Drawing on her extensive experience in educational leadership and research, Dr Chu-Fuluifaga will highlight the transformative power of leadership in shaping inclusive, culturally grounded learning environments. She will also share insights from her work in relational pedagogy, supporting educators to create spaces where Pacific learners can thrive as their authentic selves.

About Dr Cherie Chu-Fuluifaga

Dr Chu-Fuluifaga is a highly respected leader in Pacific education and a passionate advocate for culturally authentic teaching and learning. She is an Associate Professor at
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and was appointed an Officer of the
New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to education.

She brings decades of experience across research, leadership, and community engagement, working extensively with educators, schools kura, and organisations to strengthen outcomes for Pacific learners and their communities. Her work spans mentoring, leadership development, and system-level change, with a strong focus on relational practice and cultural integrity.

A dedicated scholar and practitioner, she has contributed to significant research in relational pedagogy and continues to empower educators and leaders across New Zealand Aotearoa to build inclusive, values-led learning communities where all learners can flourish.

Join us for this inspiring and practical session and discover how culturally grounded, relational approaches can transform the way you lead, teach and support learners. Whether you are an educator kaiako, student ākonga, examiner kaiarotake matua or education leader, this presentation will leave you with fresh insights and practical strategies you can apply immediately within your own context and community.