New research from the New Zealand Council for Educational Research looks at what gives Māori and Pasifika students the best chance of success at school. Through four studies, the Conceptualising Māori and Pasifika Aspirations and Striving for Success "COMPASS" project has identified critical factors that serve as important punga/anchors in the educational journeys of akonga/students. Senior Researcher at the New Zealand Council for Educational Research, Mohamed Alansari speaks with Kathryn Ryan.