ZEDUCATION

Financial education is finally becoming compulsory in New Zealand schools. But for Pacific whānau, a curriculum alone is not enough. Here is why culturally grounded financial capability matters more than ever.

Mauora joined the Te Whānau o Waipareira Employment Hub shy and unsure. Through Zeducation’s practical workshops she built confidence, learned time management and real-world budgeting, and stepped outside her comfort zone—gaining the habits and direction to move toward work or further study.

Avi, 18, entered tech via Spark Foundation’s five-week Turama Pathway with Zeducation’s Voyage to Success support. Practical soft-skills training turned first-day nerves into confidence—part of a programme where 5 of 8 participants secured tech roles.

Te Whānau o Waipareira and Zeducation are empowering Māori and Pasifika rangatahi in Auckland with work-ready and personal development skills. Since January 2025, over 40 young people have taken part in 30+ practical workshops covering communication, critical thinking, teamwork, digital literacy, and financial capability—helping them step confidently into education or employment.