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Samoan parental perceptions of early literacy practices at home and in the community for children transitioning from Aoga Amata to mainstream primary school : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Educational Psychology at Massey University, Albany Campus, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2019) Alefaio, Simatavai
Although there is an abundance of research which outlines academic failure and underachievement of Pāsifika students at all levels of education, there is very little research that looks through the lens of what Pāsifika children bring to education. Are Pāsifika homes barren or rich in literacy practices? This study explored the wealth of literacy learning young Pāsifika learners engage in, within the context of their homes prior to entering the compulsory schooling system. Based in a Samoan Aoga Amata (early childhood centre) from South Auckland, parental perceptions of early literacy practices at home and in the community were explored for children transitioning from Samoan Aoga Amata to mainstream primary school. Drawing on a Pāsifikaqualitative approach, and utilising Fa’afaletui as a methodological framework, photo elicitation was incorporated to capture deeper elements of human consciousness in which images as well as words were explored (Harper, 2002). In doing so, a culturally responsive and respectful process was created to enable Samoan parents to engage, share and feel safe within their own worlds. Findings of this study identified key knowledges and influences that impact Samoan children’s developmental abilities in literacy. Areas of strength based on literacy context (where and what learning occurs), methods of literacy (how Samoan children learn best) and parental priorities (what is most important) were uncovered. Furthermore, recommendations for those in school learning contexts, both at teacher and management levels, were identified. These are: the family as the nurturing agent of learning, the importance of recognising prior knowledge, the awareness of diverse learning strategies, and the importance of creativity and oral language. Limitations for children transitioning from Aoga Amata were also revealed as: not having established partnerships between Aoga Amata and primary school, changing teacher perceptions, and teacher workload, viewing the teacher as being the one with the knowledge, parents disengaging due to language barriers, and the cultural difference in practice between the Aoga Amata and receiving school. Overall, this study found Samoan children from Aoga Amata do come with an abundance of rich early literacy practices from home, Aoga Amata and church community. The challenge, however, is for teachers and schools to tap into this knowledge and, as a result, provide better outcomes for Samoan children transitioning from Aoga Amata. This could be applicable to all Pāsifika children transitioning from Pacific language nests.
Lupe fa'alele : releasing the doves : factors affecting the successful operation of Samoan businesses in New Zealand : a thesis presented in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology, Massey University, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2018) Vao'iva Tofilau, Ma'atusi S.
This thesis explores levels of Samoan entrepreneurship in New Zealand. It identifies unique challenges and opportunities Samoan entrepreneurs face when establishing businesses in a migrant setting. There is a growing body of knowledge in New Zealand on ethnic businesses, in particular, what constitutes an ethnic business, what facilitates and impedes their success, and the contribution they make to the New Zealand economy. Samoan entrepreneurship, however, remains an academic terra nova. Little is understood about what Samoan entrepreneurship looks like; is there a typical Samoan business, for example; what sorts of challenges do they face when negotiating and navigating cultural and business challenges in the New Zealand business environment; and what does this all mean in terms of success in both the business and community contexts? This thesis considers a qualitative research approach to investigate the lived experiences of Samoan entrepreneurs in New Zealand. The research draws on the experiences of fifteen male and six female Samoan entrepreneurs. The participants interviewed for this study included entrepreneurs who were born and educated in Samoa, those born in Samoa and partly educated in both Samoa and New Zealand, and entrepreneurs born and educated in New Zealand. The research examines how entrepreneurs differ from one another in the way they operate their businesses and the manner in which they negotiate their obligations towards family, religion, community and business responsibilities. Earlier literature on ethnic entrepreneurship has emphasized the importance of ‘social embeddedness’ of entrepreneurs in their social and community networks as key factors in operating a successful business. This study however looks to build on and extend this concept to a mixed embeddedness focus that highlights the combination of cultural, institutional, structural elements of the business environment and relevant strategies that entrepreneurs use to create a successful business. The findings in the study emphasize that the mixed embedded approach produces more successes and a variety amongst Samoan entrepreneurs especially when they negotiate the requirements of both fa’a-sāmoa in conjunction with the institutional and the regulatory responsibilities of the New Zealand business environment. The implications of these findings would be valuable for other migrant operated businesses in New Zealand.
Samoan kids in the city : the impact of Samoan parenting practices on Samoan children's independent mobility and physical activity : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health at Massey University, SHORE & Whariki Research Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2017) Fa'avale, Nicola Tava'e
Physical activity (PA) is vital to the optimal health and development of children and in turn, independent mobility (IM) - outdoor play and travelling to destinations unsupervised - is an essential component of PA for children. There is a growing body of research on the extent to which children’s daily IM and PA are influenced by parents’ experiences and perceptions of streets and public spaces as safe and desirable – or otherwise. However, little is known about Samoan parents’ experiences and perceptions of their social and physical surroundings and the associated impact on their children’s daily IM and PA. Extended families, traditional households and the village-based life of Samoan people are changing. For Samoan people in New Zealand, the transition from a traditional ad hoc and exchange-based way of life to a modern, more formal and cash-based socio-economic reality has seen Samoan parents increasingly living in a ‘rat race’. This modern reality has influenced Samoan parenting practices in New Zealand. This research is nested in and arose from the ‘Kids in the City’ (KITC) research project – a Health Research Council funded study of the independent mobility and physical activity of children, in relation to neighbourhood urban design and neighbourhood perceptions of safety in six Auckland neighbourhoods. The critical realism approach from KITC was used to identify the underlying mechanisms influencing Samoan parents’ parenting practices and children’s IM and PA behaviours. Three methods were used to collect the data: computer assisted telephone interviews (CATI) with parents (n=36); semi-structured interviews with parents (n=14), follow up interviews with parents (n=8), and key informant interviews (n=6); as well as 7-day selfreported travel diaries kept by the children (n=37). Triangulating the data collection methods allowed varied perspectives on the influences of Samoan parenting practices to be gathered, as well as information on how their perceptions of their neighbourhoods were shaped, and how these perceptions then informed their decision-making around their children’s activity behaviours. Key themes that emerged from the findings were: 1) Samoan parenting incorporates Samoan practices with Western practices and the values and beliefs that underpin these; 2) Samoan cultural affiliation impacts on how parents perceive their social and physical surroundings as positive or negative; and 3) parents’ perceptions of their surroundings largely informs where children are allowed to go and not go – unsupervised. The findings make it clear that cultural perceptions influence the decisions Samoan parents make about where they will allow their children go without adult supervision, thereby rendering notions of IM to be of little value. They do not see the value of IM when the developmental benefits of being physically active can be achieved through collective family, church and other activities. Further, Samoan ontology and epistemologies need to be valued and validated in urban planning and design to allow a better understanding of how and why Samoan children interact with their surrounding social and physical neighbourhoods – independently or otherwise.
Sexual health knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of Sāmoan youth in Aotearoa New Zealand : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2017) Veukiso-Ulugia, Analosa
Sex and sexuality in many cultures are sensitive topics. For many Pacific communities where sex is often regarded as tapu (sacred), cultural and religious values largely frame how sexuality and pregnancy are understood. For many Sāmoans, sex is regarded as a taboo subject. While sexual activity may be a pleasurable experience, its consequences can be life-altering. In New Zealand, the sexual health status of teenagers, particularly Pacific young people, is concerning. Compared with other countries, the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended teenage pregnancies and suboptimal levels of contraceptive use in New Zealand are high. From a public health perspective, these issues pose serious social, economic and health risks. For teenagers, early sexual involvement and pregnancy can drastically affect their social, educational and emotional development and life chances. In an attempt to understand and address these sexual health issues, public policy agents seek appropriate information that can assist them in designing responsive interventions. This mixed methods study explores the factors that influence the sexual health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of Sāmoan secondary school students in Aotearoa New Zealand. An analysis of information from 535 Sāmoan students that participated in the Youth ‘07 health survey was undertaken. Individual interviews with eight key informants, and eight focus groups comprised of 55 Auckland Sāmoan secondary school students were carried out. This study presents a comprehensive picture of the sexual health patterns and issues unique to Sāmoan youth living in Aotearoa New Zealand. Three broad factors - the individual, family and wider environment - influence the sexual health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of Sāmoan youth. This study proposes that to address sexual health issues for Sāmoan communities requires an understanding of three essential concepts: ‘Context’, ‘Communication’ and ‘Co-ordination’. The significance of this research and its findings extend to a range of audiences including Sāmoan young people, families, schools, health and social service providers and policy agents.
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.
"Hard-hard-solid! : Life histories of Samoans in Bloods youth gangs in New Zealand" : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2014) Faleolo, Moses Ma'alo
Although New Zealand is home to the largest Samoan population outside of Samoa, there have been few studies of Samoan youth in gangs in New Zealand. This study sought to establish why Samoan youth gangs have formed in New Zealand urban centres, and why some young Samoan males are attracted to these gangs. This study used Delinquency Theory to explore the reasons for Samoan youth gang formation, and Socialization Theory to explore both how the cultural and societal socialization of young Samoan males lead them to gangs as well as how socialization within gangs secures their commitment to high risk and potentially dangerous behaviour. Life histories were collected over an eighteen month period from 25 young Samoan males aged over sixteen years who were members of various Bloods gangs. Findings from studies of socialization experiences confirmed that various socio-cultural strains weaken controls and led people into gangs, where they are then ‘re-socialized’ by their new gang peers. These life histories revealed gang members’ reasons for both joining and for leaving gangs and the extent to which Samoan cultural values and practices shape gang values and practices. This study also sought to establish whether these insights might suggest strategies which would make gangs less attractive and save young men from dangerous behaviour which impacted on their life chances in later life. A comprehensive overview of anti-gang strategies suggested that, in the light of these findings, some are likely to be more effective than others. It is recommended that a Pacific criminology should be developed to supplement existing theoretical perspectives on youth gangs and that a multi-faceted approach is required in order to address the Samoan youth gang phenomenon and to account for unique cultural factors of the local social context.
The role of Fa'asamoa in social work in Aotearoa New Zealand : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the degree of Master in Social Work (M.S.W.), Department of Social Policy and Social Work, Massey University
(Massey University, 1998) Lauta-Mulitalo, Pa'u Tafaogalupe
This thesis is researched, reasoned and evidenced on a statement which argues that although FA'ASAMOA is not fully recognised, it has a role in social work in New Zealand, because the rapid increase of Samoan client-population demands the implementation of FA'ASAMOA by Samoan social workers as it is ethnically empowering, therapeutic, practicable, significant, effective, natural and experiential as a living system in facilitating a two-way working relationship with Samoans within the context of social work in Aotearoa New Zealand. Samoan social workers in Aotearoa prefer the less formal implementation of FA'ASAMOA because of the scope it provides for flexibility and the development of closer interaction between Samoan social workers and Samoan clients. This indicates that Samoan social workers in New Zealand are more likely to adapt FA'ASAMOA to take advantage of the new opportunities, the environment in which they practice, and the nature of Samoan clients with whom they work. This study is supported by data and information gained from implementing qualitative research techniques, including the use of unstructured as well as semi-structured interviews and open-ended questions with the participants. This thesis is distinctive in that it is a study of FA'ASAMOA as a comprehensive culture in social work in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Bilingual literacy and academic success among Samoan born students in a New Zealand secondary school : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masterate in Education at Massey University
(Massey University, 1995) Brown, Gavin T L
This thesis is a study of bilingual students' literacy abilities and practices in a secondary school setting. Informed by Jim Cummins' writings on bilingual students' achievement in schools and by J. W. Oller's theories on language measurement, this project addresses the nature of First language reading behaviour of Samoan bilingual students in English immersion education in New Zealand. In addition, the Cummins' (Cummins, et. al. 1984) hypothesis that age 12 is the optimal age to transfer language of education and country is tested. Research took place with Samoan born students (n=29) enrolled at the researcher's place of employment. The reading ability of students in Samoan and in English is tested through exact word scoring of a 7th word mechanical deletion cloze task, using a translated narrative text at the 12 year reading age. School records of academic achievement from the half year point are included for comparison with literacy achievement. These data were analysed with demographic details obtained from a student questionnaire. The questionnaire also provided descriptions of student reading behaviour in Samoan. Similar data is obtained from a group of NZ born Samoans (n=20) for comparison and referencing. Reading behaviour of these students gives a high importance for Samoan language reading, yet little actual time is spent reading in that language. Both groups of students on average performed better on English cloze tests than Samoan. The NZ born students read better in English and worse in Samoan than their immigrant counterparts. The tested hypothesis is only partially supported by the research findings. Predictions of CALP (reading) ability generated by Cummins' hypothesis are seen to a significant level,. However, none of the variables used correlated with academic achievement. Furthermore, in contrast to Cummins' predictions, a strong inverse correlation between length of residence and reading ability in the two languages is found. In other words, the longer Samoan born students are in one of the countries the better their ability in the language of that country and the weaker their ability in the other language. No such significant correlations were found among NZ born students. Alternate theoretical explanations for the results are offered using concepts from the fields of sociology of education and socio-historic psychology. Appendices include test materials, questionnaire and interview forms. A bibliography of over 380 references is included.
Organisation and dynamics of family relations and implications for the wellbeing of Sāmoan youth in Aotearoa, New Zealand : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology at Massey University, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2011) Fa'alau, Fuafiva
Family plays a fundamental role in the wellbeing of Samoan young people. The ways in which families are structured and organised influences the levels of wellbeing for Samoan young people. In New Zealand and migrant enclaves, Samoan families have experienced major transformations that affect family structure and organisation due to social and economic influences. These transformations can have both positive and negative effects on the wellbeing of Samoan families. This thesis presents the voices of 45 Samoan young people attending secondary school in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. The young people shared their experiences on how various elements of their family relationships influenced their wellbeing. It uses a mixed method approach, using qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate the connection between wellbeing and family from a variety of sources. The methodology, o le tele o sulu e maua ai figota, literally translated as “the more torches used the more shellfish found” refers to the different perspectives, methods and theoretical frameworks used in this study to gain more knowledge and understanding of the connection between wellbeing and family. The findings from this research emphasise that there are both positive and negative connections between wellbeing and family. European theorists proposed that positive relationships are protective factors for the wellbeing of young people. This study extends this notion by stating that positive collective, balanced relationships which consist of mutual understanding, respect, trust and support in families are protective factors for Samoan young people. The findings from this research suggest important areas warrant further investigation and future consideration for Samoan people.
Towards promoting youth mental health in Aotearoa/New Zealand: Holistic "houses" of health
(Clifford Beers Foundation, 2002-05) Anae, Melanie; Moewaka Barnes, Helen; McCreanor, Tim; Watson, Peter
A study of the literature on mental health promotion suggests that to a far greater extent than ‘physical’ health concerns, mental health seems to be dominated by the illness focus of established clinical perspectives and practices. In Aotearoa/New Zealand this leaves little in the way of conceptual space or fiscal resources for the development of new preventative possibilities of population-oriented measures focussed on enhancing social and physical environments. Outflanking this unfortunate impasse, indigenous Maori and Samoan (Pacific) conceptual frameworks for health offer holistic theoretical foundations upon which we can work for health through positive development. This paper examines these frameworks and the youth development paradigm to draw out parameters of what might count as healthy youth development in this country.

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