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Introducing Moana Va’aeula – Foundation Principal, Auckland Campus

Introducing Moana Va’aeula – Foundation Principal, Auckland Campus

In 2025, The BUSY School is excited to open its first New Zealand campus, located in Auckland. Now welcoming enrolment enquiries and booking campus tours for parents, prospective students and educational stakeholders.

Offering an alternative education model for high school students in years 11 and 12 who are struggling or have disengaged from their education, The BUSY School offers smaller class sizes, a personalised approach to learning and no fees. This alternative model has been highly successful in Australia (where currently nine campuses exist), ensuring students are supported to complete their education and move onto further study or vocational pathways.

Introducing herself to the Auckland community is Moana Va’aeula, Foundation Principal of the Auckland campus.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background in education?

Kia orana tatou katoatoa!

I am of Mangaian (Cook Island) and Scottish descent, growing up in Glen Innes in East Auckland, where I attended Tamaki College before pursuing a career in education. Over the past 25 years, I’ve worked across both intermediate and secondary schools, dedicating much of my time to pastoral care, student well-being and creating innovative programmes to support diverse learners. My 23 years in secondary education, combined with experience at a pathways school with a similar ethos to The BUSY School, shaped my passion for working with students who may struggle to thrive in traditional educational settings.

This role as the foundation principal of The BUSY School resonates deeply with my philosophy of fostering inclusive, culturally responsive practices that prioritise student well-being, agency and academic success. I believe that building strong, supportive relationships with students, families and communities is key to unlocking every student’s potential.

The BUSY School’s mission to reengage students in their education and create pathways to success aligns perfectly with my vision for education—one that celebrates diversity, uplifts student achievements and works collaboratively with families and stakeholders. Together, we aim to provide a learning environment where every student feels valued, supported and empowered to reach their full potential.

Why do you believe The BUSY School’s alternative approach to education is needed in Auckland?

I believe The BUSY School’s alternative approach to education is a vital addition to Auckland. It offers much-needed support to students, families and educational stakeholders who find that the mainstream schooling system may not fully meet their needs. For a variety of reasons, some students struggle to engage in traditional educational environments. Having access to an alternative pathway provides them with new opportunities to reconnect with their learning.

The BUSY School allows students to explore approaches that may not be available or resourced in schools while also exposing families to options they may not have previously considered. By providing tailored support, flexibility and a focus on well-being, we give students the tools to take ownership of their education and move forward with confidence. This model not only benefits the students and their families but also strengthens the wider community by creating new possibilities for success.

What are some of the current challenges young people face when it comes to education?

Young people today face a range of challenges that can significantly impact their educational journey. One of the biggest issues is attendance, with truancy becoming increasingly common. Many students struggle with a lack of belonging at school, going through terms or even years without experiencing moments where they feel truly connected, supported or academically successful.

Another challenge is the disconnect some students have with the value of education. The importance of attending school every day and striving for academic success can often get lost, particularly if they don’t see how it relates to their future. While schools work tirelessly to support as many students as possible, the reality is that some can still fall through the cracks, despite best efforts.

The challenges extend beyond students to their parents and communities. It takes a collective effort to build and sustain strong relationships among schools, families and stakeholders. Finding the time and resources to work together to foster a sense of self-efficacy, well-being and academic success in students can be difficult.

Additionally, celebrating diversity and creating environments that honour and respect cultural identities are ongoing challenges. It’s essential to maintain accountability, integrity, and inclusivity in our interactions with students and families to truly uplift their experiences and ensure they feel valued and supported.

What advice would you give a parent or young person struggling in mainstream education?

The first step is to sit down with your child and try to understand what might be causing their struggles. This can sometimes be difficult for young people to articulate, so it’s important to listen carefully and be patient. If needed, reach out to someone at the school who knows your family or child well, such as a teacher, counsellor, or pastoral leader and work together to create a plan to support them.

Parents should also be proactive in researching alternative education options beyond mainstream schooling. Schools like The BUSY School provide a safe, supportive environment where students from diverse backgrounds can reconnect with their learning, feel a sense of belonging, and thrive. Exploring these options, even just by having a conversation with someone or visiting, can open doors to new possibilities that better align with a student’s needs.

Ultimately, taking the time to understand what your child requires, working collaboratively with their school, and exploring alternative pathways are key steps toward helping them succeed.

Will The BUSY School Auckland be looking for collaboration with organisations, other schools, etc.? If so, how and with whom?

Absolutely! Collaboration will be at the heart of The BUSY School Auckland’s approach to supporting our students. A key feature of our school is the vocational pathway integrated into our timetable, which connects students with real-world opportunities. To facilitate this, we’ll have Employment Pathways Officers who will actively build networks with local businesses, industries and organisations to provide students with meaningful vocational experiences and pathways to employment.

We also aim to collaborate closely with other schools. Many schools have already been informed about our presence and purpose. We encourage them to refer students who might benefit from what we offer, and we welcome opportunities to work together to provide tailored support that may not always be available in a mainstream school setting.

The BUSY School’s vision is to help more young people complete their education, transition into meaningful employment and contribute to positive change in their communities. By partnering with schools, businesses and organisations, we aim to create a brighter future for our students and their families while strengthening our wider community connections.

Do you have a personal motto in life?

I wouldn’t call it a motto, but I do have a personal measure that guides me: I always ask myself, “Would the people I care about—like my mum or my children—be proud of me in this moment?” If the answer is yes, I move forward. If the answer is no or uncertain, I reflect and adjust my actions.

This principle has carried me through life and into my teaching. It reminds me to be mindful and respectful, and to honour those who have come before and after me. As an educator, it matters to me that students see I genuinely care about their growth and well-being. My goal is for them to not only achieve academically but also feel supported and inspired to become the best versions of themselves.

To conclude, I am genuinely elated that The BUSY School exists in Auckland, providing a place where students and families can re-engage with education in a meaningful way. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to create and nurture a supportive school community. I am excited about the students and families who will join us, and I look forward to working collaboratively with our staff, students, families, local schools and organisations. This is a truly exciting time for education, and I am hopeful that together, we will make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of our students and the community.

Introducing the Foundation Principal of the newly opened Auckland NZ campus, Moana Va’aeula, who has over 25 years’ experience and a passion for re-engaging young people with their education.

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