Jay Rupapera and Dr Edmond Fehoko on Strengthening the Future of ACE Aotearoa
At the recent AGM of ACE Aotearoa, Jay Rupapera was re-elected as Co-Chair Tangata Whenua, continuing her leadership alongside Dr Edmond Fehoko, Co-Chair Tangata Tiriti. Together, they bring a shared commitment to strengthening the organisation’s future direction and ensuring the adult and community education (ACE) sector continues to grow its reach and impact.
A Strategic Refresh for an Inclusive Future
Jay Rupapera says one of the Board’s key priorities for the coming term is completing the strategic refresh, a process that will define ACE Aotearoa’s direction and reaffirm its purpose.
“The strategic refresh is going to be incredibly important for the sector,” Jay explains. “It’s vital that we take an inclusive approach to practice and that our members clearly see ACE Aotearoa as an engaging and welcoming organisation.”
She notes that this work goes beyond strategy documents. “It’s about embedding inclusion and engagement into every aspect of what we do, from how we connect with our members to how we advocate for adult and community education nationally.”
Intentional Engagement
As Tangata Whenua Co-Chair, Jay is focused on strengthening intentional engagement with Māori learners, providers, and communities.
“It’s about having clear goals and outcomes for Māori communities who are accessing ACE,” she says. “We need to collect whānau voices to inform those goals and to understand where the gaps are and how we can better respond.”
Jay also highlights the importance of
recognising the collective contributions of Māori, Pacific and all communities involved in ACE. “It’s about balance and connection, making sure everyone can see themselves reflected in our workand outcomes.”
Strengthening Advocacy and Membership
Another key focus for Jay is advocacy, ensuring ACE Aotearoa continues to be a strong voice for adult and community education in a changing political andeconomic environment.
“In the current climate, we need a clear strategy for advocacy,” she says. “Adult and community education is a vital pathway for workforce development and social connection. We need to understand the political space we’re working in and engage effectively within it to deliver great outcomes forour sector and our communities.”
She adds that advocacy must remain grounded in listening. “Our effectiveness depends on how well we listen to our members, to Māori and community voices, and to those delivering learning at the grassroots level.”
Partnership and Balance at the Board Table
Jay says she values the partnership she shares with her Co-Chair, Dr Edmond Fehoko, describing their working relationship as one built on complementary strengths.
“What’s unique around the board table is the range of perspectives we bring,” she says. “We share the same kaupapa, but each of us contributes different experiences. Edmond’s expertise in tertiary learning and research, and his deep connection with Pacific communities, really complements my background incommunity-based education.”
Dr Edmond Fehoko: Exploring New Horizons
Dr Edmond Fehoko brings extensive experience across the education sector and strong relationships within Pacific communities. He says his focus is on positioning ACE Aotearoa for the future.
“We can’t afford to just deliver business as usual,” he says. “We need to think about where we’re going, what critical areas we should explore, what new horizons are emerging, and how we can strengthen our reach to new communities.”
Edmond acknowledges the challenges of operating in a shifting political and funding landscape but views this as an opportunity for growth. “Uncertainty forces us to step outside our comfort zones, explore new partnerships, and look at new funding streams. That’s where innovation happens.”
He is optimistic about the sector’s future, crediting the leadership of Chief Executive Hannah Pia Baral and the ACE Aotearoa team. “The sector is in a good space,” he says. “If we continue to think strategically and act with purpose, we can step confidently into new territory.”
Accountability and Purpose
Edmond describes his role on the Board as one of stewardship, ensuring the organisation remains accountable to the learners and communities it serves. “Adult and community education is often about secondchance learners,” he says. “Our role is to normalise those opportunities and create spaces where learners can thrive.”
He adds that the bicultural governance model of ACE Aotearoa is one of its great strengths. “Working within a bicultural structure allows us to build on our collective strengths and learn from each other. It’s a model that reflects the values of partnership and shared responsibility.”
Edmond cites a favourite quote from Benjamin Disraeli that captures his philosophy: “The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but to reveal to him his own.” He says this sentiment reflects the essence of adult and community education, helping people uncover and realise their own potential.
Together, Jay and Edmond are focused on guiding ACE Aotearoa into its next chapter, one defined by inclusion, intentional engagement, and a clear sense of purpose for the future of adult and community learning in Aotearoa.