Pacific voices are often drowned out in schools, as there are competing communities, issues, and value systems at play. The main objective of this research therefore was to engage with Pacific students, parents, and their teachers, to investigate several key issues. These include the perceptions and status of Pacific values within the school environment and significant relationships that exist between learners, parents & teachers. This, in turn, allows for talanoa regarding the educational aspirations of Pacific students and their families, and an analysis of the school's ability to foster a sense of belonging for its Pacific community. Additionally, this study aimed to explore areas for growth and development within the school and similar contexts.

The research is organised around the tīvaevae research model, a Cook Islands focused Pacific Research Method. It also utilised a qualitative, Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, seeking to collaborate with participants as co-researchers. Data collection consisted of individual interviews and focus groups, aligned with the talanoa research methodology. This approach ensured the inclusion of diverse Pacific perspectives, creating an inter-generational data set drawn from students, parents, community leaders, and teachers at the school. The findings of this research aim to encourage school leaders, teachers, and policymakers to engage in dialogue with their Pacific students, parents, local Pacific communities, and Pacific teachers, to improve outcomes for Pacific students. This may hold relevance for school leaders, teachers, and policy makers in other countries (i.e. Australia & USA) that are seeking to meet the educational aspirations of Pacific (diaspora) communities.