Tautai: The Master Navigator is a groundbreaking reimagining of the role of educational leadership in “untangling the tangled net” of entrenched issues undermining Pacific learners’ educational achievement. Dr Taleni offers a powerful, deeply personal journey that spans oceans and generations—a voyage from his Samoan village to the shores of Aotearoa New Zealand, and into the heart of Pacific educational leadership. Guided by ancestral wisdom, cultural identity, and spiritual strength, he weaves together Indigenous knowledge and academic research to present a groundbreaking framework for leadership rooted in Pacific values.
Drawing on his innovative culturally grounded doctoral research and decades of educational practice, and the lived wisdom of Indigenous, school, and community leaders, Dr Taleni explores the critical role of leaders—tautai, or master navigators—in steering Pacific learners, their families, and communities toward success and wellbeing.
Through talanoa and fa’afaletui with Samoan matai, educators, and community leaders, Taleni identifies eight foundational leadership qualities. Central to the book are his Soalaupulega Samoa Theoretical Research Framework and Taleni Soalaupulega Leadership Framework, culminating in the metaphorical Fala (Mat) of Soalaupulega—a culturally grounded blueprint for transformative leadership
This book is both a scholarly contribution and a heartfelt plea to “set the sails,” transforming Aotearoa’s educational landscape through culturally sustaining leadership. It inspirational in helping leaders to weave, in collaboration with others, a stronger, more inclusive educational fala—one that allows every Pacific learner to thrive.
Leali’ie’e Dr Tufulasifa’atafatafa Ova Taleni is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Leadership and Professional Practice, Faculty of Education, University of Canterbury.
“Tautai speaks of us, with us and to us.” - Hon Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban