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    Qualitative-Quantitative Assessment of Geodiversity of Western Samoa (SW Pacific) to Identify Places of Interest for Further Geoconservation, Geoeducation, and Geotourism Development
    (MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-12-17) Zakharovskyi V; Németh K; Salvati L
    The assessment of geodiversity is a relatively new field of research connecting abiotic aspects of nature to the wider environment. The study of geodiversity is still in development, so a uniform and complete paradigm remains to be defined. Therefore, an assessment of geodiversity may be highly dependent on the nature of the territory subject to study, available databases, and the researchers’ field of specialization. The main quantitative method for the assessment of geodiversity was proposed to the scientific world only few years ago and may only be relevant to some places in the world, rather than all, which would be desirable. However, while similarities in research methods may be apparent, the directions, scales, and data utilized are clearly different. This article demonstrates a quantitative-qualitative method for an assessment of geodiversity, based on a five-point evaluation system and the utilization of widely available standard databases such as geological maps, SRTM models, and satellite images. Western Samoa Islands (Savai’i and Upolu Islands) were selected for assessment, as a typical example of basaltic ocean island volcanism generating relatively homogenous rock formations and subject to gradual geomorphology (e.g., shield volcano). While initially appearing as a region of simple geology and morphology, complexity is added by considering rock ages, the position and type of eruptive centres, and the coastal geoenvironment. By considering these factors, the assessment becomes specifically tailoring for geodiversity assessment of the islands of Samoa. In conclusion, it has been demonstrated a simple methodology of general assessment of geodiversity with additional improvements to take account of variability in other abiotic factors.
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    Spiritual and environmental well-being: Factors supporting adaptation of Pacific peoples during pandemic times
    (Victoria University of Wellington and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd, 2024-08-01) Scheyvens R; Movono A; Auckram J; Faaiuaso L
    Most Western models of well-being focus only on social, mental, financial and physical well-being. Collecting data on how tourism-dependent communities in the South Pacific had adapted to the dramatic impacts of the pandemic, we became aware of the significance of spiritual and environmental dimensions of well-being. We also identified several Pacific well-being models that incorporate these dimensions. This article thus examines how COVID-19 lockdowns influenced the spiritual and environmental well-being of Pacific peoples living in tourism-dependent areas. It demonstrates that many people were able to adapt well despite dramatic changes in their financial situation and restrictions on their mobility. They often showed deep appreciation about having more time for religious practices and to care for others in their communities, and they enjoyed working more with nature, on the land or in the ocean, and looking after the environment. We conclude that if the tourism industry can rebuild in ways that support spiritual and environmental well-being, this could mean tourism will be appreciated more by resident communities as something which compliments – rather than competes with – their culture and way of life.
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    Localising indicators for the Sustainable Development Goals : a case study in Samoa on SDG indicator 4.3.1 (participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education) : a research report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master in International Development at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2020-06) Vaai Hatier, Leuaina Allison
    In July 2017, the global indicator framework comprising 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), 169 targets and 231 global indicators, was adopted by the UN General Assembly. This framework aims to assist countries in monitoring their progress towards the goals of the Agenda 2030, allowing for global comparisons and drawing analysis of thematic issues that are pertinent to the development discourse. Despite SDG being widely used, Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing Countries (SIDS) in particular, have been struggling to fulfil the data needed for reporting SDG progress. Drawing on Samoa as a case study, this research seeks to outline how a country can localise SDG4 global indicator 4.3.1, to take into consideration the country challenges and limitations, as well as provide reliable measurements of its education sector development. This research’s findings suggest that, localising SDG indicator 4.3.1 in Samoa by aligning it with government agencies reporting requirements, could allow data collection from existing sources and therefore help reducing the pressure on the country’s limited institutional capacities. Localising SDG 4.3.1 could be done notably by adjusting the units of measurement of the indicator to comprise two age ranges: 15 – 24 years old and 25 years old and over; includes gender data in surveys and adjust government reporting to account for formal and non-formal education. In localising SDG indicator 4.3.1, it would allow Samoa to meet its national and regional SDG reporting needs. For such localisation to be successful however, it would require coordination between ministries and organisations and commitment of financial and human resources.
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    Development in a world of disorder : tourism, COVID-19 and the adaptivity of South Pacific people
    (Institute of Development Studies, Massey University, 2020) Scheyvens, Regina; Movono, Apisalome; Strickland, Danita; Bibi, Patricia; Tasere, Apakuki; Hills, Georgie; Rihai, Norah; Teama, Fiona
    This research about the impacts of economic slowdown caused by COVID-19 on the wellbeing of tourism-dependent communities in the Pacific emerged from concerns shared by Dr Apisalome Movono and Professor Regina Scheyvens – tourism and development researchers in the Institute of Development Studies at Massey University. Both scholars had previously researched how tourism could contribute to sustainable development of communities in the Pacific and they felt compelled to now examine COVID-19’s effects on people who were highly reliant on tourism income. By Easter 2020, most international flights to the region had ceased and tens of thousands of tourism sector jobs were threatened. Anecdotally, the researchers had heard that some people were adapting quite well to life without international tourists by growing their own food and bartering, for example, but they were also aware of others who were really struggling. They thus started to design a research project that would allow them to understand the complex realities of the impacts of the pandemic on those people whose livelihoods were largely based on tourism, and how they were adapting. The focus was on communities in tourism-dependent areas, as other entities in the region were already running separate surveys on businesses impacted by the slowdown.
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    Conflicting power paradigms in Samoa's "traditional democracy" : from tension to a process of harmonisation? : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2020) La'alaai-Tausa, Christina
    This research argues that the tension evident between western democracy and Samoa’s traditional leadership of Fa’amatai has led to a power struggle due to the inability of the government to offer thorough civic education through dialectical exchange, proper consultation, discussion and information sharing with village council leaders and their members. It also argues that Fa’amatai are being disadvantaged as the government and the democratic system is able to manipulate cultural practices and protocols to suit their political needs, whereas village councils are not recognized or acknowledged by the democratic system (particularly the courts), despite cultural guidelines and village laws providing stability for communities and the country. In addition, it claims that, despite western academics’ arguments that Samoa’s traditional system is a barrier to a fully-fledged democracy, Samoa’s Fa’amatai in theory and practice in fact proves to be more democratic than the democratic status quo. Furthermore, this study suggests that both systems can be harmonized through the process of ‘Architectonics’, whereby the excellence of democracy depends on the excellence of Fa’amatai and vice versa. In doing so, it reveals that Samoa’s political status is that of a “traditional democracy”, a blend of democratic and Samoan traditional intricacies which need each other to ensure their relevancy, legitimacy and longevity within Samoan society. This study makes a contribution to the field of Pacific politics. In particular- it speaks to the democratization paradigm that continues to occupy the thinking of many scholars and the work of many national, regional and international agencies. The study concerns the state of Samoa’s democracy and its relevance in traditional society (and vice versa) and investigates how it could be improved - potentially resolving some of the contradictions and barriers to a democratic model that is Samoan, sustainable and equitable. Moreover, the choice of using Samoa as a case study may also perhaps inform the processes of other neighbouring Pacific countries similarly experiencing a tension between the western notion and system of democracy and that of traditional leadership within local Society
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    Social change and deforestation : a case study of Western Samoa : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1997) Kobayashi, Harumi
    Deforestation has caught much attention within wider concerns about the global environmental crisis. Though it is often large countries with rich forest resources which have caught most attention globally, forests in Western Samoa are worthy of attention as they have experienced some of the highest per capita rates of loss. The causes of deforestation reveal an intricate mix of social, cultural, economic and political factors within a specific local context. At the same time, external factors, which exist outside the national borders, also influence on the state of the forest. Deforestation in Western Samoa is an example of such complex relationships. It is not commercial logging operations which cause deforestation in Western Samoa, and most deforestation is occurring on communal land. Recent studies have claimed that the modification of land tenure system, caused by the influences of Western individualism and the cash economy, induces Samoans to cut down trees. However, this study has found that the main cause of deforestation is the land conversion for agricultural use by villagers who seek increased money income. At the same time, changes in the traditional Samoan society have had significant influences on deforestation. Factors, such as an increasing number of matai (chief) and the advent of nuclear families, have interacted to encourage villagers to clear forests. No society is constant. Forests in Western Samoa have been lost in the continuing friction between traditional and modern values in the society. Conservation of the forest depends on the views and values of Samoans themselves, seen through the lens of their culture, and on the decisions made based on such perceptions and attitudes.
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    Leveraging the Samoan Mental Health Policy for Policy Development in Niue
    (Massey University, 2019) Corcoran, Dale; Stewart-Withers, Rochelle
    Mental health is a prevalent, but often ignored area of health. Mental illness can significantly impact the mentally unwell, their families, and the wider community, yet access to proper care can be hindered by availability, ignorance, discrimination, and stigma, and result in human rights violations. This is especially true in developing countries where services may be inadequate or non-existent. Mental health policies can alleviate this situation by improving and prioritising mental health services at a national level. Based on Samoa and Niue’s similarities in terms of their mental health context and the positive analysis and evaluation of the 2006 Samoan policy, this paper concludes that the work done in Samoa is a viable choice for Niue to leverage in their future policy work. Niue would benefit from developing their mental health policy based on the precepts of South-to-South Cooperation by collaborating and sharing knowledge with their neighbour Samoa.
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    Between a rock and a hard place : analysing and evaluating the Samoan Mental Health Policy for its applicability to policy development in Niue : a research report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Masters of International Development at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2017) Corcoran, Dale
    Mental health is a prevalent, but often ignored area of health. Mental disorders can significantly impact the mentally ill, their families, and the wider community. Access to proper care and treatment for the mentally ill can be hindered by availability, ignorance, discrimination, and stigma, and can result in human rights violations. This is especially true in developing countries where services may be inadequate or non-existent. National mental health policies can help this situation by improving and prioritising mental health services in terms of finance, legislation, advocacy, human rights, mental health training, and service delivery. In 2001 the WHO launched Project Policy to support this effort. Sixteen years later, Niue has yet to formally begin the process of developing their national policy, while their neighbour Samoa, has had a policy in place since 2006. This research project seeks to determine if and how the Samoan mental health policy should be leveraged for Niue’s future policy development. This desk-based research has been completed through a critical literature review that includes government documents, WHO publications and policy guidelines, Pacific Island Mental Health Network reports, academic literature, and mental health and rights-based organisational websites. This research is accomplished in several steps: critically analysing the WHO mental health policy guidelines that have been chosen as the framework for this report, detailing regional mental health considerations with a focus on Niue and Samoa, and evaluating and analysing the Samoan policy using the WHO framework. The findings from this allows for a discussion of strategies for Niue to best leverage Samoa’s policy. This research concludes, based on Samoa and Niue’s cultural connections, their similarities in terms of mental health challenges and capacities, as well as the positive findings from the analysis and evaluation of the Samoan policy, that the Samoan policy is an excellent choice for Niue to leverage in their future policy work. While noting areas for improvement concerning finance and human rights, the remaining contents of the Samoan policy strongly align with the requirements and depth of information required by the WHO framework. Going forward, Niue would benefit from developing their mental health policy based on the precepts of South-to-South Cooperation by collaborating and sharing knowledge with their experienced neighbour Samoa.
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    Comparative study in the net barter terms of trade and income terms of trade of the Pacific Island economies : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies in Economics at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1995) Soakai, Robert Matafonua Fotu
    It is suggested by the so-called P-S thesis that countries whose exports based upon traditional primary products will continue to face deterioration in their terms of trade. It is upon such a proclamation, that challenge the author to launched an investigation to the validity of such a claim and its applicability to the case of Solomon Islands, Tonga and Western Samoa. The early researcher in this area shows that countries whose exports dominate by exporting traditional primary commodities tend to have more instability in its terms of trade than those who are exporting manufactured goods. However one of the most staggering finding of this research is. The terms trade of the three island economies seem to be deteriorate, at same time their purchasing power seems to be on the positive side. What it means that, despite the deterioration in the country's terms of trade their incomes seem not deter at all by such a movement. This is sound controversial to the P-S thesis but there was other trade incentive that came in to play when these countries' terms of trade deteriorate. However, perhaps it is enough to mention here that such deterioration in the terms of trade might mean so little when one take into account major factors that hammered these small island's economies. Factors like, drought, hurricane, poor quarantine service, has fueled the problem of deterioration of the terms of trade. Empirical test was carried out to examine the impact of the Net Barter terms of trade movement on the income (Gross Domestic Products). Result revealed was un-intrigue. Conclusion was drawn and there is a strong need for change in the export haves of the three island economies. Policies need to change to encourage regional trading. A change to the trade agreement (e.g., SPARTECA) that govern the trade activities of the island nations, is necessary. Such a change will help the island nations to compete with its trading partners effectively and competatively.
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    Fetu'utu'una'i le vā = Navigating relational space : an exploration of traditional and contemporary pastoral counselling practices for Samoans : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2017) Pala'amo, Alesana Fosi
    Pastoral counselling is one of the important roles of ministers in Samoa. An emerging ethos of individualism is challenging traditional notions of collectivism in fa’aSamoa (culture and traditions of Samoa). This evolution has been identified and described as the ‘changing Samoan self’. Traditional approaches of counselling employed by ministers in the past must adjust to align with the changes faced by church members today. This thesis presents the voices of 34 Samoan participants living in Samoa that include ministers, minister’s wives, matai (title-holders), New-Zealand born Samoans, church members, and service users of a domestic violence agency. Participants shared their expectations of being counselled as well as counselling others, together with reflections concerning effective and ineffective counselling practices. A Samoan research methodological framework called Tafatolu (three-sides) has been conceptualised and used herein as the methodology for this project. Tafatolu methodological framework involves the synthesis of three key parts that this project considers as valuable to any research—a ‘contemporary academic’ approach to research, a ‘cultural’ approach, and the ‘self’ that represents the researcher’s perspectives and positioning within the project. Collectively, these three parts have assisted this project in the collection and analysis of data that have informed this study. The findings from this research have highlighted the emergence of a changing Samoan self and counselling practices that remain centred upon God. Fetu’utu’una’i le vā, (Navigating relational space) emerged as an applicable approach to pastoral counselling for Samoans today. The enforcement of fetu’utu’una’i le vā has evolved alongside a changing Samoan self, from the use of physical force, to verbal force, excommunication and punishment, to now include conversations through dialogue. The findings from this research have forged a theoretical framework of pastoral counselling for Samoans, presented as a continuum of traditional and contemporary understandings. Recommendations from this research propose pastoral counselling practices that cater for both traditionalists and contemporary Samoans.