Te Whāriki a mat for “all” to stand: The weaving of Pasifika voices

This article explores the history of curriculum relating to Pasifika early childhood education (ECE) in Aotearoa New Zealand. Specific contributions of Pasifika peoples to the developments of Te Whāriki are considered. The aspirations of Pasifika peoples and academics that are presented in the body of scholarship developed over the past 15 years are also considered. Drawing on a critical narrative, Pasifika methodological concepts of tuatua, tuatua mai, and talanoa are employed to present a critique of the current Te Whāriki, from the perspective of the authors as ECE educators. In so doing, attention is given to the wider early childhood sector and the significance of Pasifika ECE in navigating a future for Pasifika peoples and communities.