Chapter 9: Harnessing the Pacific Power of Appreciative Mentoring Relationships in Tertiary Education, Aotearoa New Zealand

The term “Pacific” is often used to describe the diverse ethnic makeup of individuals from the Pacific Islands who have migrated to New Zealand (NZ), but this oversimplifies their multifaceted and dynamic identities. Pacific students in NZ often face a variety of challenges when attempting to access and succeed in higher education, such as financial barriers, language barriers, cultural differences, and feelings of isolation. Appreciative mentoring (AM) is an effective method of engagement that equips Pacific students with the knowledge and skills to foster personal and professional growth. Academics in education can become appreciative mentors with mentoring as a long-term, diverse approach that emphasizes relationships and personal growth to ensure that students have the assistance they need to reach their full potential.