This study explored Pasifika students’ perceptions of Talanoa as a culturally responsive assessment tool in NCEA Level 2 Mathematics, addressing the educational challenges faced by Pasifika learners within conventional Western assessment frameworks. Despite growing recognition of the need for culturally responsive teaching, limited research exists on how alternative assessment tools like Talanoa can reshape students’ engagement and outcomes in mathematics. Using a qualitative methodology grounded in the Kakala Research Framework and employing Talanoa as both a method and research approach, data were collected from six Year 12 Pasifika students in a New Zealand secondary school. Key findings revealed that Talanoa fosters trust, enhances cultural competence, deepens understanding, builds self-confidence, and creates an engaging learning environment. Together, these elements transformed students’ attitudes, making the assessment experience more inclusive, supportive, and effective. This study contributes to addressing systemic inequities in education by proposing culturally aligned assessment tools and offering practical solutions for a more inclusive learning environment. It highlights the potential of integrating culturally responsive practices like Talanoa to improve educational outcomes for Pasifika students, with insights that may also benefit other culturally diverse learners. Future research could explore how Talanoa-informed frameworks can be incorporated into other subject areas, teacher training programmes, or education policies to create a wider impact on culturally responsive practices. Such studies would help determine the broader applicability of Talanoa as a holistic educational tool beyond mathematics.