The Australian Pasifika Educators Network was established to map and build an action plan for Pasifika education in Australia based on themes from the inaugural Pasifika Educators Conference Australia in 2021.

Over 180 educators tuned in from across Australia, New Zealand and neighbouring Pacific Island countries, representing education from early childhood education, tertiary institutions, community organisations and government departments. The conference enabled delegates to share innovative, effective, and culturally responsive best practices in education for Pacific learners, create and sustain professional connections, networks and development opportunities and start an Australian collective dialogue to design a blueprint for action to address Pasifika educational outcomes in Australia. The overwhelmingly positive feedback demonstrated a massive gap in forums for Pasifika educators and education communities more broadly in Australia. Four broad themes emerged from the conference and underpin APEN’s strategic direction and guide our advocacy and work to create the blueprint for an Australian Pasifika education action plan. 

 

Legal and Governance

The Australian Pasifika Educators Network Inc (APEN) is an Australian not-for-profit, community-led organisation committed to advancing educational equity, leadership, and wellbeing for Pasifika learners, educators, and communities across Australia.

APEN was incorporated in New South Wales on 13 July 2023 and operates under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 (NSW). The organisation complies with relevant legislation including the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 (Cth).

 

Organisation Details

Organisation name: Australian Pasifika Educators Network Incorporated
ABN: 19 550 939 068

NSW Fair Trading Registration Number: INC2300757
Official website: www.pasifikaeducators.com.au

 

Purpose and Charitable Objects

APEN exists to advance equitable and culturally responsive education for Pasifika learners in Australia.

The organisation works to:

• Advocate for education systems, policies, and practices that are equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive to the needs of Pasifika learners.

• Build platforms that amplify Pasifika leadership, voice, and visibility across the education sector.

• Strengthen connections between educators, learners, families, and communities through research, mentoring, and community-centred initiatives.

• Promote and embed the recognition and integration of Pasifika languages, identities, histories, and cultural knowledge within learning environments.

• Relieve educational disadvantage and support the wellbeing of Pasifika learners through advocacy, scholarships, partnerships, and community support initiatives.

 

Not-for-Profit Commitment

APEN operates as a not-for-profit organisation. All income and property of the organisation are applied solely toward advancing the organisation’s charitable objects. No income or assets are distributed to members except as reasonable compensation for services provided to the organisation.

Review our Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Certificate.

 

Governance

APEN is governed by a Board responsible for strategic direction, organisational accountability, and compliance with legal and regulatory obligations. The Board works collaboratively with educators, researchers, community leaders, and institutional partners to ensure APEN’s work remains grounded in community priorities and supports Pasifika learner success across all levels of education. Review our Constitution.

Learn more about our vision, values, and strategic priorities on our section about our APEN Vision and Purpose.