Pacific Early Learning Services Christchurch

14/03/2026

A huge shout out to Whānau Āwhina Plunket and Rug Rats, who we collaborated with us to create our Pepe Pitstop for our under 5s, our future Spacpac Canterbury Polyfest performers.
What a day to celebrate our children, schools, and wider community!

14/03/2026

Did you see us at Spacpac Canterbury Polyfest? Thank you to everyone who came through with their little ones. Fakaaue lahi to all the organizers, attendees, schools, students, and community who made this day possible!

18/02/2026

Looking forward to being part of Spacpac Canterbury Polyfest again for 2026. If you're coming with a child under 5, look out for our Pepe Pitstop where we will have a space for your wee one to play as well as a nappy change space. We will also have information on our centres and if youre looking to study ECE. See you soon!

22/12/2025

If you’re ever looking for live entertainment for an event, is your guy.

From timeless classics to songs from across the Pacific, he brought the perfect soundtrack to our dinner and created such a beautiful atmosphere.

Vinaka vaka levu, Iri 🇫🇯

22/12/2025

We can't thank enough the people who made the event what it was. From our speakers, to the entertainment, our caterers, and even our providers and schools.

Nga mihi nui kia koutou katoa! ❤

If you ever need people for any events or projects, start here with our people, from across the beautiful Pacific.

21/12/2025

Over a week ago, in collaboration with the University of Canterbury and Ministry of Education NZ we delivered our Seed to Seasons Professional Development event.

What a day!

Well attended by our centres and community members, the day began with an opening keynote from UC Director of Pacific Development Joeana Togiaso. Followed by workshops from Sam Pilisi (University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau) and Will Fleming (Campfire Studios).
We then had updates from our primary schools with bi-lingual units Te Kōmanawa Rowley School and St Anne's, and our tertiary providers representing the three main providers in Christchurch Ara Institute of Canterbury, Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand, and UC.
The event ended with a dinner, where we celebrated and acknowledged the efforts and service of our teachers.

Please find some of our favorite snaps from the day!

03/12/2025

One of our amazing workshop facilitators for next week. Looking forward to seeing Sam talanoa and share with our faiaoga (teachers) next week.

01/12/2025

We are excited to deliver the Seeds to Seasons PD next week at the University of Canterbury for our Pacific Early Learning Services. We have amazing speakers and workshops lined up and can't wait to hear their stories and experiences.
We are proud to bring this to you in partnership with the UC Pacific Development Team and Ministry of Education NZ.

26/11/2025

One of our PELS centres are hiring! Apply via Trademe if youre interested 👌🇼🇸

We’re hiring!

Tino e Tasi Preschool is looking for a Qualified or Provisionally Registered ECE Teacher (30–35 hrs/week) for our Samoan bilingual team in Christchurch.
Apply now via the link below 👇
https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/jobs/education/early-childhood/canterbury/christchurch-city/full-time/listing/5631326253

22/10/2025

Many of our centres are closed today due to high winds and emergency status. Stay safe and take care ❤️

01/10/2025

From factory to early learning centres: Ruta Mckenzie (MNZM) answered the call to serve through education.

Encouraged by her husband while he was doing his PhD, Ruta returned to teaching and found her purpose in Early Childhood Education. What started as a small role near her home in Lincoln grew into a legacy of leadership and service to Pacific learners across Aotearoa.

Now retired, she continues her mission with SAASIA, helping educators bring their full cultural selves into their mahi, guided by the Tapasā framework.

“We carry our ancestors, our families, and our cultures with us every day in this work.”

📍

15/09/2025

PELS Spotlight Series Promo: Ruta Mckenzie

This week we continue our PELS Spotlight Series, sharing the stories of some of our incredible early childhood educators.

Our next story features Ruta McKenzie, a proud Samoan mother, grandmother, and community leader in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Her journey over many years is one of faith, family, and service. From returning to study, to becoming a leader and mentor for Pacific educators across Aotearoa.

We look forward to sharing her full story soon ❤