An evaluation of national standards indicates half of all Pasifika children failed to reach the benchmarks in reading, writing and maths last year.
Radio New Zealand's education correspondent says the report for the Ministry of Education also shows many parents did not receive clear school reports and that principals' fears about the standards grew last year.
In a sample of 6700 pupils at 41 primary and intermediate schools, Pasifika children struggled, with just 50% reaching the reading standard for their age, 46% the maths standard and 48 percent the writing standard.
Opponents of the standards say the results tell teachers what they already know.
But Education Minister Anne Tolley says the standards provide more information about what help children need.
