New legislation
The Pacific Island Polynesian Education Foundation Act 1972 (the Act) has been amended to modernise the following areas:
- Terminology and definitions
- Representation of the Pacific Island Polynesian Education Foundation (PIPEF) Board
- Administration and governance
- Financial matters of the Pacific Island Polynesian Education Foundation Board.
Previous situation
Terminology and procedures in the Act, required representation on the Pacific Island Polynesian Education Foundation Board (the Board), and financial and governance aspects of the Board are not aligned with modern standards and practices.
Impact of the legislation
The changes to the Act have resulted in terminology that is gender neutral, and reflective of modern processes as well as those of who the targeted audience of the scholarship is. Representation of the Board now reflects the modern Pacific Island community and its various cultures.
Changes to the sections relating to administration and governance alleviate what was seen as unnecessary administrative burdens on the Board and appointment process now sits at Ministerial level.
Finally, sections within the Act relating to board finances now align the board’s financial year with that of the public services financial year. This will allow reporting and funding through to the board to occur seamlessly.
Why the change?
The amendments are designed to align PIPEF Board practices with modern board governance and financial practice, and to update terminology and definitions within the Act to reflect today’s Pasifika community in New Zealand.
For any other enquiries regarding the PIPEF scholarships email pipef.board@gmail.com
The Act establishes a Foundation that has the aim of supporting the education of students of Pacific Island descent who are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
The Bill updates and revises the Act so that:
the Foundation continues to be representative of Pacific peoples in New Zealandthe Foundation’s Board can operate more flexibly and efficiently.
Further information
Why are the five representative positions on the board being changed to represent the broader Pacific Peoples community?
Specifying membership as one position each for named community is unduly restrictive. The Board would benefit from being able to attract suitably qualified applicants from the wider Pacific Peoples community.
How will this affect access to scholarships and grants?
Improving Board processes and appointments will make the distribution of scholarships and grants more effective and efficient.