The launch of the Bay of Plenty’s first community learning hub for migrant parents is being hailed as a significant milestone.

The initiative, which was launched last month, aims to help families to better understand the New Zealand education system and curriculum.

The hub is part of a national Ministry of Education initiative to support stronger connections between schools and migrant families.

The programme was brought to Tauranga by Multicultural Tauranga, with the collaboration and educational expertise of Papamoa College.

The first session was held on Wednesday, May 22, at Pāpāmoa College, drawing parents from diverse ethnic backgrounds, representing various schools across the region, and with children spanning all stages of education—from early childhood to secondary school.

The evening began with a warm welcome and free shared dinner, followed by an informative session outlining how the New Zealand education system works. For many parents, this was their first in-depth introduction to the structure, curriculum, and values that underpin education in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“This has been a lifelong dream,” said Premila D’Mello, president of Multicultural Tauranga and an experienced educator with over 15 years of service in the Bay of Plenty.

“Migrant parents often feel lost or disconnected from their child’s learning journey due to cultural and systemic differences. This Hub gives them the tools, knowledge, and confidence to be engaged and active in their children’s education.”

The idea took shape when Haidee Kalirai, Strategic Advisor: Ethnic, Migrant and Pacific

Communities Tauranga City Council introduced Multicultural Tauranga to Awad Hagos from the Ministry of Education.

With shared vision and collaboration, the team seized the opportunity to make this much- needed support a reality.

“We saw there were a number of community learning hubs across New Zealand but none in the Bay of Plenty, so reached out the Ministry of Education to discuss how we can run hubs here to support Tauranga’s growing migrant communities,” said Haidee Kalirai.

“It’s been great to see what a successful start it’s had and well done to Multicultural Tauranga and Pāpāmoa College for leading the first hub in Tauranga, it was fantastic to see so many migrant parents attending.”

The remaining five sessions will be held fortnightly at Pāpāmoa College.

The dates of the sessions and what they will cover are;

June 5 - Years 9-13, NCEA structure, CAA exams

June 19 - New entrant to Year 8 (primary school including the Intermediate school years)

July 3 - English language support at school, English Language Learning Progressions (ELLP)

July 17 - What to do if you have concerns about your child’s learning, how to contact teachers, restorative practices.

July 31 - Learning Support and neurodiversity, school notices and student accounts, student led conferences.

Registrations are compulsory to allow us to arrange suitable seating, child-care facilities, and catering.

Registrations can be made by clicking on the QR code of the Poster or through Multicultural Tauranga social media pages.

“This is a true team effort from people who are passionate about ensuring migrant children thrive in our education system,” said D’Mello.

“We are proud to pioneer this initiative in the Bay of Plenty, and we look forward to seeing the long-term impact it will have on our families.”