Pacific and Pasifika Theses

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The theses listed in this collection were all completed at Massey University in a range of different departments and institutes. They have been included in this collection if the topic is strongly related to Pasifika/the Pacific.

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Savings, investment and financial development in Fiji : an econometric analysis : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Applied Economics at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2007) Edmonds, Fiona
The vital role of savings, investment and financial sector development in the growth process has been at the heart of economic policy reforms in many developing countries. The key purpose of this study is to examine the determinants of savings (i.e. national and private), investment (i.e. private corporate and non-residential) and the relationship between finance and growth (i.e. causality, stock market development and McKinnon's complementarity hypothesis) for the case of Fiji. This study applies the Auto-regressive Distributed Lag procedure to cointegration and the modified WALD test for non-Granger causality to time series data for various models over the period 1961-2005. The study sets the economic growth literature in the historical perspectives for Fiji and undertakes a comprehensive empirical examination that will enhance the knowledge and future development of economic policies aimed at increasing economic growth. The importance of savings, investment, and the financial sector in contributing to economic growth in developing countries has been clearly highlighted in the literature. Fiji has been chosen as the case study in this analysis due to poor growth performance during the past 20 years. The military coups of 1987 led to political instability and policy failures that had a disastrous impact on the economy through low levels of economic activities. The economic uncertainty experienced by the nation led to various negative effects on capital accumulation, savings, investment and the financial sectors development. This not only diminished business activities, but also affected the household sector in terms of consumption, savings, investment, higher prices and social development. In the wake of the 1987 political and economic crisis, extensive macroeconomic, financial and trade sector reforms were undertaken which represented a revolutionary break from the past policies of import protection, high rates of inflation, agricultural dependence and financial repression. Given the devastating political, economic and social crises, and the poor performance of the economy, this study evaluates the key financial factors to enhance growth. In particular, savings, investment and financial sector development and the policy implications for long term economic growth are investigated. These considerations point to the need for undertaking in-depth investigations to bring together theoretical and empirical analysis in the context of Fiji's economic development. First, the savings-growth performance is examined using an empirical framework based on the lifecycle model. Second, the analysis examines investment and the role of capital formation in growth acceleration in the post independence period based on the theoretical considerations of the neo-classical investment theories. Third, financial sector development and economic growth relationships are examined. In particular, the direction of causality between the financial sector and economic growth, the impact of stock market and financial liberalisation, and the applicability of McKinnon's complementarity hypothesis are investigated for Fiji. The political and economic turmoil that Fiji has experienced suggest various actions required to improve the performance of the economy and also the key economic factors necessary to enhance growth. The findings initiate a number of policy implications that require attention in order to address Fiji's poor economic performance. This is particularly important to reduce the high incidence of poverty which still remains a challenge for policymakers.
An econometric analysis of the determinants of growth in the Kingdom of Tonga, 1970-1998 : a research thesis submitted in partial requirement for the degree of Master of Applied and International Economics at Massey University
(Massey University, 1999) Faletau, Siosaia Tupou
The importance of determining the factors that contribute to economic growth is vital in the case of Tonga because of the benefits and advantages it provides for the people and their future development. The main objective of this study is to analyse and investigate empirically the macroeconomic factors that promote economic growth and development in Tonga. Economic theories and various studies have presented the variables that may affect growth. These include investment (domestic and foreign), labour force, exports and imports, fiscal policies, tourism receipts, private remittances, foreign aid and its various components. Foreign resources such as aid and private remittances play an important role in the development of small island economies and Tonga's heavy reliance on these factors may also explain their contribution to growth. The study uses a neoclassical production function to examine the relationships between economic growth in Tonga and the proposed determinants listed above. The cointegration method of Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag is utilised in the analysis. The empirical evidence indicates that factors making a positive contribution to economic growth in Tonga are the growth in exports, tourism receipts, openness to trade, government consumption expenditure, bilateral aid, grant aid and imports. The loan aid, multilateral aid, technical co-operation grants and private remittances, while significant in most cases, show a decline over time. Natural disasters and external market shocks have a strong adverse effect on Tonga's growth rate. The issue of macroeconomic management is stressed in this study as the key role to be played by the government in order for the available resources to be allocated to the productive sectors of the economy. This can be undertaken through setting stable macroeconomic environment, introducing and maintaining growth-oriented policies and structural reforms in some of the key sectors of the economy. Research should be concentrated on high value niche products and promoting technological development to support the diversification in the export and tourism sectors. Measures should also be adopted to monitor the effectiveness of utilising foreign aid projects, as current aid flows show a decline.
Socio-economic determinants for poverty reduction : the case of Fiji : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Economics at Massey University
(Massey University, 2010) Xing, Zhongwei
Poverty is a multi-dimensional issue, which encompasses different dimensions of deprivation that relate to human capabilities including food security, health, education, rights, voice, security, dignity, income and consumption. Above all, poverty is denial of human rights (United Nations, 2009). Despite Fiji's as a most developed island economy, and plays an affluent role among the Pacific Island nations, its history of coups and vulnerability to external shocks have created major obstacles to reducing poverty by half by 2015. The study demonstrates that knowledge on the characteristics of the poor is vital not only because it is essential to tackle the roots of poverty but also shape the policies and strategies to reducing poverty. The study found that, in particular, the households headed by females and people with disability are most prone to poverty. Rural households are more likely subjected to poverty than urban households. The Indo-Fijian households face greater income inequalities than Fijian households, and the urban households endure greater inequalities in comparison to rural households. Being educated and employed are the key fundamental elements in reducing the likelihood of remaining poor. The study shows that people from the lowest income to the highest income groups all benefit from formal education, but it is tertiary education which has the ability to sustainably prevent people falling into poverty when the unseen event occur in the future. Also, employment in manufacturing, construction, trade and services, transportation and communications sectors are all vital determinants of poverty reduction. In particular, the manufacturing sector helps rural households in increasing the possibility of meeting the basic needs, while the transportation and communication sector helps urban households to increase the probability of meeting their basic needs. The research findings suggest that poverty reduction polices and programmes should focus on the core areas of integration and targeting, promotion of human assets, provide resources and transportation linkages for rural and urban activities, promotion of income-job-creation and income redistribution. Releasing land for commercial agriculture farming could contribute to poverty reduction in rural areas and its linkages in the urban sector could also reduce poverty in urban areas.
Development possibilities and customary land tenure in the Pacific : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Development Studies, Massey University
(Massey University, 2007) Rockell, Dennis Graham
In parts of Africa and the Pacific, the majority of land remains in customary tenure, perhaps in modified form. This thesis explores the question of whether it is possible to retain customary land tenure in a development context. Major development agencies such as the World Bank have, at times, placed pressure on developing countries to convert customary land into forms of tenure more compatible with boosting agricultural production. The Vanuatu constitution specified upon the nation's independence in 1980 that all land was to be returned to the custom owners. This thesis investigates how Vanuatu has grappled with the apparently conflicting objectives of customary tenure and economic development. An attempt was made to give the issue maximum possible focus by choosing the West Coast of Tanna Island as the location of study. Here, urbanisation and infrastructural development is attempted in surroundings where the majority of land has never been removed from customary tenure. The very small areas alienated during the colonial period have become the principal localities for such development. Must customary tenure or modernisation triumph, one over the other, or is it possible to achieve some of the benefits of modernisation without betraying the intent of the Vanuatu constitution? The thesis comes to no simple conclusion, but examines closely how this contradiction is unfolding and suggests that there are grounds for optimism, while noting the unrelenting nature of the forces for change.
Loyalty, commitment and the corporation of kin : Tonga as a case study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of M. Phil in Development Studies at Massey University
(Massey University, 1997) Ramsey, Caroline Judith
The economic effectiveness of the Tongan kinships in a capitalist economy is dependent, to a significant degree, on the transformations and changes that are made to the way the kinship relationships function. Researchers, such as Parsons (1949), suggest there needs to be a move away from the traditional kinship relationships to individualism and nuclear families, as this is ultimately the most effective way of operating in a capitalist, business environment. However, this thesis seeks to challenge this theory by examining the changes that are occurring in kinships within Tonga. Here modifications to the kinship system seem to be allowing the family to continue to operate as an extended kinship unit both socially and economically. This thesis endeavors to suggest that the utilisation of the kinship structure offers considerable benefits for all of those involved, and because of this there is some degree of sustainablity and durability in these extended family relationships. Essentially economic decisions and resources seem to be shared between kinship members because they seek a common goal to improve the standard of living for both the family and the individual. This is reinforced by the intrinsic senses of loyalty and commitment, which encourage practical working relationships between the family members, reducing internal competition and accommodating the sharing of resources. For the individual involved in such a system the advantages of remaining within the kinship often counter the compromises and sacrifices required. For a young member of the group the system provides security and access to resources that otherwise would have to be obtained independently, which can be particularly difficult as often the young individual lacks both the equity and experience to readily obtain these resources. For the parents who wish to pursue a career the kinship network provides caregivers and accommodation for their children, either nearby or overseas, depending on where work is obtained and where housing and educational opportunities exist for their children. As for family members with entrepreneur aspirations, the other kinship members can add value by supporting their endeavors through their custom, their help in setting up the business, their role in establishing the right business contacts, and through their supplying of goods and services both from home and overseas. Finally for the elderly or those poor of health, the other kinship members provide an essential social welfare service, within the security of the family structure. However, this kinship system, apparent in Tonga, does not survive without commitment and compromise. Family members are encouraged from a young age to acknowledge and adopt traditional ideologies and perspectives which value the kinship system and the obligations which exist within. In addition to this the Tongan people also seek an economic rational for their involvement in the kinship network. Therefore, in moving from subsistence lifestyles to capitalism, Tongan kinships are readjusting their extent and nature of giving, their living arrangements and their attitudes towards investing and saving. These adjustments seem to be providing the kinship members, both at home and overseas, with a functional and rational economic system to work within.
The participation of women in the Solomon Islands education system : a study with particular reference to Solomon Island women who held New Zealand government tertiary scholarships between 1973 and 1990 : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Development Studies at Massey University
(Massey University, 1994) Quinn, Marion
This is a study on the participation of women in the Solomon Islands education system, focussing in particular on the experiences of Solomon Islands women who held New Zealand Government tertiary scholarships between 1973 and 1990. Despite increasing international recognition of the importance of education for girls and women in addressing critical national economic and social goals, gender remains the single most significant determinant of access to schooling in most developing countries. While there is a growing body of literature on factors affecting the participation of girls and women in education in developing countries, little has been written on the subject in relation to the South Pacific and nothing of substance in relation to Solomon Islands. More generally, Altbach (1985) noted the lack of research on the experience of women as overseas students and the outcomes of tertiary education for women in developing countries. The findings of this study confirm research carried out elsewhere that the socio-economic status of parents has greater influence on the schooling of girls than of boys. For the earliest women tertiary students, the encouragement of educated fathers was of particular significance in breaking down traditional barriers to girls' participation in education. Girls and women from matrilineal societies were, in general, given greater encouragement to enter and to remain longer in school. In undertaking tertiary study overseas and returning to positions of responsibility in both the public and private sectors, the women in this study were in many ways 'trailblazers' for the women who followed behind them. Their position was not an easy one, subject often to personal misunderstanding and criticism as they sought a new role and a new status for women in Solomon Islands society. Yet this was not an elite, Westernised group, divorced from their own society. Those interviewed were characterised by a strong commitment to assisting other Solomon Islands women and to contributing effectively to the development of their society. The study concludes that the interests of development have been well served by the investment in their education.
Langa fonua : in search of success : how a Tongan Kainga strived to be socially and economically successful in New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Public Policy at Massey University
(Massey University, 2005) Tuʼitahi, Sione
In search of social and economic success, Tongans started to migrate to New Zealand more than 40 years ago. Government studies and other research show that Tongans and other Pacific ethnic minorities are on the lowest rung of the socio-economic ladder (Statistics New Zealand, 2002a; Pacific Directions Report, 1999). In the midst of these negative statistics, there are pockets of success, but no detailed research has been conducted in this area (Pacific Directions Report, 1999). This thesis explores the diverse perspectives on and attitudes to, social and economic success in four generations of a migrant Tongan kainga (extended family). It examines the insights and understanding of this particular kainga of the concept of success, and analyses the values and motives that drive them to achieve it. It investigates the strategies they employ to achieve goals, the challenges they face, and why they are successful. An exploratory study, this thesis argues that more research should be conducted on the socio-economic success of Tongans. Findings from such research can inform policies and strategies for socio-economic development for Tongan families and community groups in Aotearoa New Zealand. This research will contribute to the construction of a larger and more representative study of successful Tongan kainga that can inform the development of social and economic policies for Tongans in New Zealand.
Reasserting the local in the global : local livelihoods and sustainable development in the proposed East Rennell World Heritage site, Solomon Islands : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Development Studies, Massey University
(Massey University, 1996) Purdie, Nicholas Simon
This thesis assesses the relationships between the sustainable development approach to integrating environmental and developmental concerns, and that approach suggested by the concept of sustainable livelihoods. In the context of the East Rennell World Heritage Project in Solomon Islands, the nature of sustainable development as it is operationalised at the local level, and the reality of people's livelihoods within the boundaries of that project, are assessed to determine where sustainable development meets livelihoods to both support and enhance them, and the implications which a sustainable livelihoods approach has for sustainable development. Over the last fifteen years the concept of sustainable development has been promoted at the global level as a means by which environmental integrity may be maintained, and at the same time allow for the continued development of human economic and social systems to improve the welfare of poor people. Arising out of the twin concerns that development was not meeting its primary goal of alleviating poverty, and at the same time was placing environmental systems in jeopardy, the concept of sustainable development is now a central theme within global development discourse. Alternatively, the concept of sustainable livelihoods has been presented as a 'new analysis' of the reality of the lives of local people and the problems they encounter as they attempt to construct viable livelihoods for themselves, and represents an alternative strategy for integrating environmental and developmental concerns at the local level. The rationale for using such an approach to environment and development is that only by ensuring that all people have access to an adequate and secure livelihood will further goals of sustainability be able to be obtained. This thesis presents the results of research undertaken in Solomon Islands over a three month period in 1995. The research is presented as two village case studies incorporporating the results of Participatory Rural Appraisal surveys undertaken at Tevaitahe and Niupani villages in the proposed East Rennell World Heritage Site. The general conclusion reached is that although sustainable development attempts to assist local people in conserving their resources and develop income generating business based on ecotourism, the nature of this sustainable development to a certain extent precludes the achievement of sustainable livelihoods.The suggestion is given, therefore, that the sustainable livelihoods infer an alternative approach to development.
The role and sustainability of East Timorese NGOs : 'How long can they last?" : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Public Policy at Massey University
(Massey University, 2005) Soares, Domingos
Since its independence from the Portuguese and Indonesia, East Timor has had political and humanitarian support from various international organisations, gradually leading to the formation of East Timorese Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs). This thesis argues that "East Timorese NGOs' roles for a full engagement in the development process of East Timor are unsustainable." The reason is that they lack the financial foundation to attract substantial support from international donor-organisations. In addition, they have grown competitive amongst themselves. Therefore, dependency undermined sustainability. Sustainability espouses the idea that in the long term, income or welfare can be maintained only if the capital-stock from which it is drawn (financial sources from which the East Timorese NGOs had drawn) does not decline. Independent from government, an NGO works with and within the community towards common goals. Development is therefore a progression of positive changes quantitatively and qualitatively, whereas dependency comes from an unequal international relationship between two sets of countries: the metropolitan core and the periphery. East Timorese NGOs are dependent in two ways: financial and human resources dependency. While East Timor NGOs had played colossal roles during their existence, they had also relied heavily on donors' support. This study is supported by reasoned evidence in the form of information and data obtained through descriptive qualitative research methodology (including the systems theory approach), encompassing the following methods: in-depth and email interviews, and participant observation.
Pacific Island Labour programmes in New Zealand : an aid to Pacific Island development? : a critical lens on the Recognised Seasonal Employer policy : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2015) Rockell, Dennis Graham
The New Zealand Recognised Employer (RSE) Policy was designed to remedy labour shortages in the horticulture/viticulture industry early in the twenty-first century. It was the first New Zealand contract labour migration programme to be designed with the explicit intent of the development of the source countries, consisting mainly of small Pacific Island States. This research sought to examine within a historical context whether the programme was beneficial to the source countries and communities, and whether the programme met the expectations of international labour conventions which New Zealand has signed. An attempt was made to discover whether, when compared with antecedent programmes in New Zealand and North America, the RSE represented a new paradigm in the design and implementation of a contract migrant labour programme. The field work was carried out for twenty months between December 2011 and August 2013, involved a grower survey and over 100 semi-structured interviews with Government officials, horticulturalists, migrant workers, pastoral care workers, and other interested parties. Time in southern Vanuatu was divided between interviewing migrant RSE workers in Port Vila and visiting 100 village communities on Tanna Island. Assessments were made of access to the programme for the rural and urban poor and of the positive and negative impacts of the programme. Positive features observed included the benefits of close government monitoring of worker accommodation, the transparency of the remuneration, the interest of many employers in assisting workers to remit funds to source communities, house building and infrastructural benefits gained by many workers, and the transfer of useful skills. Negative features included the powerlessness of the workers to negotiate their work conditions, the failure of some employers to address workers’ specific needs, the social dislocation of some workers leading to alcohol abuse, the frequency of work interruptions due particularly to weather conditions, the excessive work hours on some nightshifts at minimum wage, and a lack of connection between recruitment patterns and areas of greatest need. The RSE policy has come about in an era of migration optimism. Since the mid-1990s the total global flow of remittances has exceeded the level of official development assistance. However most literature regarding remittance flows and transnational communities is set within a context of diaspora. The RSE was carefully designed to prevent overstaying of visa entitlements, in order to prevent any growth of diaspora. Consequently the overall financial flows in the case of Vanuatu are small compared to such sectors as tourism, and the position of the RSE in the migration-development nexus is somewhat contradictory.

Pacific and Pasifika Theses

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