Pacific Research and Policy Centre

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Start date: 2000End date: 2009

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    Culture, gender and small business : Honiara, Solomon Islands : presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2001) Simiha, Bella
    The common assumption in regards to indigenous Solomon Islanders owning business is that most of these businesses will fail because of cultural constraints. These appear in the form of the wantok system and cultural obligations that place an extreme financial burden on small business owners (SBOs) and restrict the potential of potential small businesses. This study has been carried out in the formal business sector in Honiara to ascertain the effects of cultural obligations on small business (SB) and to determine the role of women in business. The research findings lead to the conclusion that with education/ experience cultural obligations can be managed within small businesses, and that women, despite the gender restrictions rooted in traditional culture, can manage small businesses successfully. However, it is evident that the wantok system and the commercialisation of some aspects of culture, places a financial burden on Solomon Islanders. In order to promote the development of indigenous small businesses, the government, pending adequate research, will need to ensure that suitable financial loan assistance schemes, and advisory offices are introduced to allow for easy access to start up business resources. Furthermore, as the research has shown that if women are to be successful in business these schemes must target all groups of women and not favour one group, for example rural women. It is also evident from the research that more professional women are entering into small businesses, and that they can manage cultural obligations and still assist relatives both in the urban and rural sectors.
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    Bisinis belong olgeta mere long Honiara, Solomon Islands = Informal activities of the women of Honiara, Solomon Islands : 31.798 research project presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the Degree of Master of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2000) Fakaia, Matthew
    Solomon Islands' women in the Urban Informal Sector (UIS) seem to be invisible to the policy makers both from the perspective of their contribution and their needs. Although government programs aim at assisting small scale entrepreneurs, women as a group are not considered for any form of special assistance. The major reason for this is that most of the enterprises women engaged in, such as petty trading, food processing and livestock raising fall outside census of production survey. Often, these surveys are only conducted among enterprises employing ten or more workers. The small enterprises which are crucially important to the survival of women and their families are ignored. Women have limited access to critical resources like education, land, technology and credit. Hence they are often excluded from employment in the formal sector. Theoretically, the UIS provides employment for the groups excluded from employment in the formal sector. The notion of the informal sector captures certain peculiarities, such as informality of business organization, use of rudimentary technology, lack of separation of consumption and production, ease of entry and exit, reliance on family labour and apprentices and small requirement for capital. This study has been carried out on Solomon Islands women in UIS to view the nature and the extent of their activities today and to critically assess any measures in place to support those activities. The data from the fieldwork shows the importance of UIS activities to the food security of urban households, community development, the national economy and individual empowerment. The study reveals the link between UIS and the rural subsistence economy with reciprocal support of cash and food crops. It also reveals that there are women who could have worked in the formal sector actually chose to work in the UIS, for various reasons. The report concludes with a discussion of measures that could be taken to support UIS women in their activities.
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    Working with boys and men for a change : lessons from Fiji : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Developmental Studies at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2005) Romanos, Annie
    Male involvement in sexual and reproductive health and anti-violence interventions are two of the more common entry points in working with men to achieve gender equality. The most promising interventions are those that challenge gender norms, questioning men's views of themselves and stimulating their interest about gender equality in different ways. Although most interventions inevitably alter gender norms in an effort to change the behaviour of project recipients, if not executed in a gender-sensitive fashion, these interventions may exacerbate rather than alleviate existing inequalities. One important issue therefore is when, and to what extent, programming involving men should compromise on feminist goals. The Men as Partners pilot programme and Women's Crisis Centre in Fiji worked with similar groups of men in two distinct ways. The former adopted a locally and culturally appropriate style of addressing men about gender issues and sexual and reproductive health, and the latter took a more radical, feminist, 'rights' stance in workshops with men regarding violence. Through consultation with project participants, family members, project staff, and affiliated NGOs, the research raises questions and discusses the implications for on-going work with men in the field of gender and development. It draws some conclusions about the extent to which each intervention contributed to the transformation of attitudes among men towards equality, and emphasises the need for new 'men in development' strategies to be unapologetically feminist in their focus.
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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.
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    Dental fluorosis caused by volcanic degassing in West Ambrym, Vanuatu : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Earth Science at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2006) Crimp, Rachel Janice
    Fluorosis, both dental and skeletal, is a disease afflicting millions of people worldwide and is caused primarily by the ingestion of fluoride-rich drinking water. Usually, this is groundwater that has leached fluoride from underlying rock deposits. In West Ambrym. Vanuatu, however, the indigenous people live in close proximity to a degassing volcano and harvest rainwater for their potable water needs. The current project investigated two hypotheses; firstly, that dental fluorosis existed in West Ambrym and secondly, that it was caused by the ingestion of rainwater contaminated by the degassing volcanic plume. A dental survey was undertaken of children ayed 6 to 18 years using the Dean's Index of Fluorosis. A total of 835 children participated; 253 of whom came from the target area of West Ambrym. For comparative analysis and a more regional perspective, the remaining 582 surveyed were from other nearby locations. Drinking water, non-drinking water and food samples were collected for fluoride analyses. Dental fluorosis prevalence was found to be 96% in West Ambrym, 85% in Malakula, 71% in North Ambrym, 61% in Southeast Ambrym, 36% in Tongoa, 43% in an 'incidental islands' group, and 100% on Tanna. Drinking water samples from West Ambrym ranged from 0.7 to 9.5 ppm F (average 4.2 ppm F). Groundwater sources ranged from 1.8 to 2.8 ppm F (average 2.2 ppm F). Of the 158 drinking water samples, 99% were over the World Health Organisation recommended concentration of 1.0 ppm F. It was found that pH was not a suitable proxy for fluoride concentration. That painted and/or rusted corrugated iron roofing may play a role in lowering fluoride concentration of stored rainwater was a tentative finding. Coconut juice was a rich source of fluoride. Food samples ranged from <6 ppm F to over 100 ppm F. The current research has shown that the semi-continuously degassing of Ambrym volcano is introducing significant levels of fluoride into the drinking water of the local Ni-vanuatu. This geo-meteorological process has resulted in the development of widespread dental fluorosis in West Ambrym. The pathway of fluoride-enriched rainwater identified in this study has not previously been recognised in the aetiology of fluorosis. Defluoridation, or accessing an alternative water source, accompanied by modified rainwater harvesting practices, are means by which the prevalence of the disease can be markedly reduced.
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    Ecology and conservation of koki (Prosopeia tabuensis) in Tonga : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Ecology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2002) Saafi, Elizabeth Patisepa Kiteau
    The population of Koki Prosopeia tabuensis on 'Eua, Tonga, was studied from August 1999 - November 2000. Line Transect and Point Count methods were used to estimate Koki density and abundance in 'Eua Plantation Forest and analyzed by distance sampling techniques. The density estimates derived by the two methods were compared. Population estimates along six transect lines established in different forest types showed that the Point Count method tended to overestimate Koki density compared with the Line Transect method. Highest Koki density was 0.193 per hectare, and the average density was 0.153 per hectare, suggesting about 1 Koki per 6 hectares in 'Eua Plantation Forest. The 'Eua Plantation forest was divided into four principal forest types and Koki density in each forest types was estimated using the Line Transect and the Point Count methods. Again, the Line Transect method better represented Koki density in these four forest types. Highest Koki density and abundance was associated with Native Forest, closely followed by Pinus caribaea Forest. It is estimated that there were approximately 620 Koki in the 'Eua Plantation Forest in 1999 - 2000. Thirteen other birds were present at the 'Eua Plantation and they did not appear compete with Koki for the same food sources. Koki flying over the 'Eua National Park were calling when flying longer distances. The mean interval between calls for Koki calling while flying was 6.79 (95% C.I = 5.78 - 7.99) seconds. The mean distance travelled by Koki flying and calling over the National Park was 134.50 (95% C.I. = 96.73 - 187.02) meters. Koki fed on a variety of wild fruits and seeds including pinecones and pawpaw. Pinecones appeared to be a major food item in Koki diet at the 'Eua Plantation Forest. Eight Koki nests were found in the year 2000 breeding season. The eight nest trees suffered considerable damage by locals, removing the Koki chicks for sale. The implications of the research findings for future monitoring and conservation of Koki are discussed.
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    Establishing Zion in Sauniatu Village : a historical analysis of a Latter-day Saints gathering in Samoa : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in History at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2003) Tutagalevao, Eipo Junior
    A feature of Latter-day Saints consolidation methods in the Pacific has been the establishment of gathering settlements for its members designed as a religious sanctuary for the persecuted and untrained. This approach varied throughout the Pacific depending on the steadiness of the missionary programme and success of retaining its members. Apart from Hawaii, Samoa was one of these unique places in which gathering settlements were established for the Latter-day Saints. The focus of this thesis concerns the in-depth examination of one of these latter-day Saints gathering havens in Samoa, Sauniatu village. The rich unpublished primary sources of this Branch make this a valuable exercise. Within these materials contained valuable insights into the nature of Latter-day Saints community organisation adapted in Samoa as well as understanding the cultural interactions between the Samoan saints and the European missionaries. Because Latter-day Saint origin was in America, this study indeed begins by examining the social and doctrinal bases of the church and in particular this notion of gathering. Chapter One, therefore, shows this relationship of the gathering in America and its modification in the Pacific context. The Latter-day Saints arrival in Samoa and its difficulties is analysed in Chapter Two. The push to establishing gathering settlements in Samoa is discussed in Chapter Three. In Chapter Four, an outline of the Sauniatu administrative system and local Saints' attitudes towards it are examined. Chapter Five presents an in-depth analysis of the nature of the village in its internal and external interactions. In Chapter Six, it explores the village as a functional mechanism for institutional operations. Chapter Seven will attempt to inquire the village's effectiveness and show its effects on the members, and Latter-day Saints development in Samoa. A conclusion assesses the overall success of Sauniatu village and suggests some of the reasons for its succcsscs and failures.
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    Netting the maroro : an exploration of Cook Islands teachers' beliefs about language learning and teaching : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Second Language Teaching at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2003) Edwards, Frances Catherine Edith
    Teachers' beliefs play an important role in teachers' decision making processes and affect their practice. Beliefs are situated within specific contexts. Little work has been done to investigate the beliefs of language teachers in the South Pacific. This study investigated the beliefs about language learning and language teaching of Cook Islands teachers working in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. The research used a qualitative approach based on questionnaires, interviews, and stimulated recall, including detailed case studies of three teachers. The findings suggest that the Cook Islands teachers involved in this study held beliefs about the language learning process, the nature and use of language, Cook Islands learners, the challenge of risk-taking by students in schools and the teacher's role within the classroom. Beliefs about the language learning process included those relating to initial and ongoing language acquisition, the relationship between written and spoken language, and the teaching strategies best suited to effective language learning. The role of phonics, reading, and the place of modelling were identified as particularly important. Beliefs relating to the nature and use of language included strongly identified beliefs about the links between culture and language and about the relationship between the languages used in the Cook Islands. Bilingualism was seen as an ideal goal but getting there was seen as problematic. Teachers' beliefs about learners included beliefs about affective factors and the idea of learner readiness. Beliefs were held about the particular problems associated with risk-taking in Cook Islands classrooms. Teachers held beliefs about their roles, particularly in the relationships they have with students and school administrators including the ideas of tolerance and patience in providing a good learning environment for students. In situations where decision-making was needed, but individual beliefs were in conflict with each other, the process of more centrally held beliefs overriding other less centrally held beliefs was observed. Many of the beliefs held were influenced by teachers' own language learning experiences. Significant events in the teachers' lives were identified as important sources of beliefs and motivation. The influence of the historical colonial setting was particularly evident. The research shows that Cook Islands teachers have specific beliefs that influence their practice. These beliefs were found to be strongly related to the historical, social and professional context of the believer. Because of the effects of beliefs on practice it is important for beliefs to be considered in any process of teacher change. The findings of this research should help towards an understanding of teacher beliefs necessary for future initiatives aimed at improving language teacher practice.
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    The health seeking behaviours of ageing Niuean women in Central Auckland : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Nursing at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2002) Arapai, Doreen Minnie
    This qualitative study encompasses several features in its design. It is exploratory, emergent and the realms of discovery and description are informed by Max van Manen's (1990) human science approach. Van Manen's approach has enabled analysis of the data. Human science is comprised of phenomenology, hermeneutics and language and when coupled with the data collection method of focus groups makes for interesting outcomes. Time is needed to develop the narrative texts as phenomenological interpretation is never complete. There will always be levels of understanding waiting to be discovered. As a New Zealand bom Niuean woman, I have provided a preliminary account of the health seeking behaviours of ageing Niuean women (Matua fifine) in Auckland. The context of health seeking behaviour cannot be realized until there is an understanding of the participant's perceptions of health and illness. Understanding peoples perceptions of health and illness may give insights into the reasons for the decisions that the Matua fifine make when choosing to engage or not engage primary and or secondary health services. This also includes traditional medicine and complementary therapies. The assumption is that people make a direct move to seek a healthcare provider when well and unwell. What is not appreciated are the choices that are also available such as self management or a wait and see approach. Equally important is the role of spirituality, which encompasses Christian beliefs and traditional beliefs. Background information of history and the Niuean way of life, sets the context for this study. Consultation within the Niuean community is an ethical consideration that has paved the way for support for this study. This study will enable the voice of the Matua fifine Niue to be heard so that health services will be able to respond to and preserve their dignity and individuality which are foundational for good health and positive ageing.
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    Talanoa ile i'a : talking to Pacific Island young people in West Auckland about health : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2003) Faleolo, Moses Ma'alo
    The present study explores the health issues surrounding Pacific Island youth health development. The present study conducted a literature review on youth health issues in New Zealand and found that most are cultural and social related. A second literature review of theoretical dispositions to account for the emergence of youth heath issues found that Pacific Island concepts, medical sociology theory and youth health theory were relevant explanations for the emergence of Pacific Island youth health issues. The present study conducted focus groups with Pacific Island young people about youth health issues to see if the information from the literature review corresponded with the participants’ responses and whether the theoretical explanations were consistent with the participants’ responses. The present study found that a correlation exists between the literature review and the participants’ responses. The present study maintains through the participants’ responses that the key to addressing Pacific Island young people health issues is to involve their families throughout the process of assessment and in the development of response plans. This means the perspectives of those in youth health policy arenas, the perspective of service managers and the perspective of professionals are required to recognise that the perspective of the young person is an essential domain for understanding the cause of and for resolving Pacific Island youth health issues. ‘Talanoa ile I’a’ is the story of Pacific Island young people living in West Auckland. It is based on responses to questions posed to participants of the study in relation to Pacific Island youth health development issues. The present study contends that in order to understand, identify and resolve Pacific Island youth health issues it is important to talk to Pacific Island young people themselves. The present study did not conduct any research with youth policymakers, youth health services or health professionals but preferred to explore youth health with Pacific Island young people themselves. The present study is built on the participants’ responses and provides both warning signs and building blocks for youth health policy, youth healthcare services and youth health professionals. The present study is a Pacific Island approach to Pacific Island youth health issues; it is ‘by Pacific for Pacific’.