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Tuesday, February 05, 2008
30 Year Story
Click here to view the information sheet in English
Click here to view the information sheet in Tongan
The Pasifika Education Centre (PEC) formerly known as PIERC Education holds a significant place in the oral histories, recounted memories and documented beginnings of all the early Pasifika communities.
1974- Pacific Islands Education Resource Centre Idea Conceived
The idea for setting up an educational institution to cater for the needs of an increasing Pacific Island population in New Zealand was first mooted at a conference called by the Minister of Education Honourable Phil Amos, at Lopdell House in 1974.
24 May 1976 - The Centre Activated
However, the establishment of Pasific Islands Education Resource Centre was not activated until 24 May 1976, when the Director and subsequently the rest of the initial staff were appointed and operations started with the blessing of the new Minister of Education Honourable L W Gander.
9 September 1978 - The Centre Officially Opened
The official opening of Pasific Islands Education Resource Centre at 272 Jervois Road, Herne Bay took place on 9 September 1978 when Honourable L W Gander unveiled the commemorative stone at the outdoor lunching enclosure. The site itself consisting of two elegant one hundred year old Kauri buildings is of significance in that it used to be the Old Bayfield School. Extensive renovations were carried out by the Department of Education and the Auckland Education board to bring the buildings up to modern standards, while at the same time preserving much of their original features. Surrounding the site are two mature Pohutukawa and other native trees while at certain strategic places luscious hibiscus with full blossoms of bright yellow, orange, pink and red combine with the scented yellow ginger jasmine and other tropical plants to provide a welcoming atmosphere to the centre.
28 February 1983 - Mangere Branch opens
In response to the growing needs of the South Auckland area, the centre established a branch in Mangere at the Nga Tapuwae Community College campus. Its opening on 28 February 1983 was officiated by the then Leader of the Opposition at the time; Honourable David Lange.
1993 - Became PIERC Education and Relocates to Atkinson Ave, Otahuhu
Ten years later in 1993, PIERC relocated to Atkinson Ave Otahuhu and incorporated as a charitable trust. Since this time, PIERC has been funded by the Government as a tertiary training provider delivering programmes in computing, business administration, social work, teaching and Pacific Island languages. As part of this relationship, trustees were and still are jointly appointed by the Minister of Education and Minister of Pacific Island Affairs.
May 2004 - PIERC becomes Pasifika Education Centre (PEC) and relocates to the Pacific Business Centre in Otahuhu
Signaling a new era and focus for the future, PIERC re-branded and changed their signature name 'PIERC Education' to become the Pasifika Education Centre (PEC). Complimenting the name change, in May 2004, PEC closed doors to the Atkinson location and shifted down the road to be closer to the Pacific community at the Pacific Business Trust Centre.