The results are being welcomed as evidence that culturally responsive teaching, targeted learner support and strong pastoral care are helping more ākonga succeed in tertiary education. Whitireia and WelTec say Māori and Pacific learners recorded particularly strong progress, reflecting sustained investment in academic, cultural and wellbeing initiatives designed to improve learner success. For many Māori learners, success in tertiary education extends beyond gaining a qualification. The latest results come as the tertiary education sector continues to focus on reducing longstanding disparities in educational achievement between Māori, Pacific and non-Māori learners. They reflect growing opportunities for ākonga to succeed in tertiary education while strengthening the future workforce and contributing back to their whānau, hapū and communities.