Whitireia and WelTec are reporting significant improvements in educational outcomes for Māori and Pacific learners, with the latest Educational Performance Indicator (EPI) results highlighting stronger course and qualification completion rates across the institution.
The results are being welcomed as evidence that culturally responsive teaching, targeted learner support and strong pastoral care are helping more ākonga succeed in tertiary education.
Educational Performance Indicators are used across New Zealand’s tertiary sector to measure how well institutions support learners to complete their courses and qualifications.
Whitireia and WelTec say Māori and Pacific learners recorded particularly strong progress, reflecting sustained investment in academic, cultural and wellbeing initiatives designed to improve learner success.
The institution attributes the positive results to the dedication of kaimahi, culturally grounded learning environments and tailored support that helps students overcome barriers to achievement.
For many Māori learners, success in tertiary education extends beyond gaining a qualification.
It also contributes to stronger whānau outcomes, increased employment opportunities and the development of a skilled workforce capable of supporting iwi, hapū and communities throughout Aotearoa.
Whitireia and WelTec have long maintained strong relationships with mana whenua, iwi and community organisations, embedding te ao Māori within teaching and learner support while offering vocational pathways across health, construction, engineering, business, information technology, hospitality and social services.
The latest results come as the tertiary education sector continues to focus on reducing longstanding disparities in educational achievement between Māori, Pacific and non-Māori learners.
Nationally, education providers have increasingly adopted culturally responsive teaching approaches, strengthened pastoral care and developed closer partnerships with communities to improve learner retention and completion.
The strong performance is also significant at a time when New Zealand is facing workforce shortages across several industries, including healthcare, construction and skilled trades.
Higher qualification completion rates mean more graduates entering sectors where demand for skilled workers remains high.
Whitireia and WelTec say the results reinforce the importance of investing in learner success through approaches that recognise the diverse needs of students while maintaining high educational standards.
As the vocational education sector continues to evolve, the institution says the latest Educational Performance Indicators demonstrate that culturally responsive support and strong relationships with learners can deliver measurable improvements in educational outcomes.
For Māori and Pacific communities, the results represent more than improved statistics.
They reflect growing opportunities for ākonga to succeed in tertiary education while strengthening the future workforce and contributing back to their whānau, hapū and communities.
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