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Subject: search.filters.subject.451319 Pacific Peoples ways of knowing, being and doing

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    The mana of the Pacific youth voice in climate action : exploring the impact of human rights-based approaches on the operations of Pacific youth-led organisations and the empowerment of their members : a research report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of International Development at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2025) West, Emma
    Anthropogenic climate change is considered to be the defining challenge of our time (United Nations, n.d.). Perturbed by the threat of climate impacts, youth around the world have been mobilising to demand stronger action from political bodies and polluting industries and have taken on leadership roles aiming to influence climate policies (Mutiarini, 2025, p.125). Pacific youth activists are particularly prominent champions of this cause, injecting a renewed momentum into the global climate effort. Their advocacy for more rapid progression towards a sustainable future for people and planet has led to climate action by political bodies at the national, regional, and international levels. Previous research has found that climate-focused youth organisations around the world have placed human rights at the heart of their endeavours, “pioneering a rights-based approach to climate change” (Gasparri et al, 2021, p.105). As the lands and livelihoods of Pacific youth are set to be among the most negatively impacted by climate change (UN Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, n.d.), this report aims to contribute to the literature by specifically spotlighting three Pacific climate-focused youth-led organisations. It seeks to understand the extent to which they have adopted human rights-based approaches, and the extent to which this has impacted their operations in national, regional, and/or global political fora, as well as the empowerment of their members. This research foregrounds the uniquely Pacific perspectives and understandings of human rights-based approaches held by these organisations, which offer both an invaluable contribution, and challenge to, dominant Western human rights approaches. It also elucidates the complexity and contentious nature of the concept of youth empowerment in the Pacific context, and throws into sharp relief the alternative value proposition that Pacific youth bring to the global climate conversation — one that is rooted in the protection of the rights of present and future generations, their lands, cultures, and traditional knowledges. Also reflected upon are the emerging and salient themes, namely the power of the Pacific youth voice which is grounded in local perspectives and cultural identities, the reclaiming of narratives, and the ability of a human rights focus to bring about change. Further research undertaken with a greater number of Pacific youth-led organisations would be advantageous to build upon these findings, and to contribute a richer understanding of Pacific perspectives to these domains of knowledge.
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    "E vaka e vakatukakaso na sasalu ni veitiritiri” : exploring indigenous perspectives on socio-economic change and development : a case study of Draubuta and Nabudrau villages in the Rewa Delta : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for Master of International Development in School of People, Environment and Planning at Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2024) Naivaluvou, Apisaki Bania
    This study looks at how local communities in Fiji are affected by long-term socioeconomic developments. It delves into the role of climate change as a primary driver of change, but it also pays particular attention to the ways local people see the effects of colonialism, globalization, and westernization, all of which have a significant role in the shifts and swift transformation of a local community. With the Vanua Framework serving as the underlying paradigm, the study is qualitative in nature. To capture the impact of these changes, semi-structured interviews, ‘talanoa’ and photovoice were used. The results show the value of Indigenous knowledge and wisdom as it guides their actions and response to change and development. By prioritizing the Indigenous ways of knowing, there are sustainable practices that promote interconnectedness and relational knowledge. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of how local people navigate and respond to the complexities of modernity, climate change and development. It calls for sustainable development that is aligned to Indigenous knowledge, perceptions and values.
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    Tongan indigenous approaches in the prevention and restoration of family violence : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2023) Havea (née Taufa), Sesimani
    Substantive literature exists on intimate partner violence and the efficacy of various response programmes. There is only limited knowledge of Pacific-indigenous understandings of and responses to violence within the kainga (families). This thesis explores aspects of the inaugural application of the Tongan conceptual framework of Fofola e fala ka e talanoa e kainga (laying out the mat so families can dialogue) as part of the faith-based Kainga Tu’umalie (prosperous families) family violence intervention and prevention programme in Aotearoa New Zealand. The programme is centred around weekend retreats involving Tongan households experiencing family violence. I was culturally immersed in observing, actively engaging in, and evaluating this programme during the retreats that involved 49 Tongan church kainga (families). Additionally, formal talanoa (a Pacific-indigenous way of engaging families in research) were conducted post retreat with seven faith-based community leaders to draw out their depth of cultural knowledge and how it was applied to the development and conduct of the programme. As well as drawing on the evaluative materials, talanoa were conducted with three participating families to further consider their experiences of the programme. Overall, this study found that Tongan indigenous cultural ways infused with faith-based values can be effective, transformational, and restorative for individuals and families experiencing violence. Core findings are encapsulated by three intersecting Tongan-Indigenous cultural concepts of: Ko e makatu’unga mo’ui mo e malohi (a powerful and living platform); Koe kolo malu mo e hufanga (a place of safety & refuge), and Fa’utaha (unity/harmony/peace). These concepts not only represent the interweaving of Christian faith and Tongan indigenous knowledge as symbolised by the Fofola e fala (laying out the mat) framework, but also inform our shared understanding of the intent and impacts of the Kainga Tu’umalie programme. These concepts also enlighten my analysis of the positive impacts of the programme on participating families’ and their commitments to engaging in efforts to transform their everyday interactions to create more harmonious relationships within which they can thrive together. Participant accounts foreground the importance and potential of working with key faith-based and cultural values to address patterns of violence collectively within Tongan kainga (families), and with support from wider community members. This research also speaks to the significance of leveraging collaborative partnerships between community-based agencies and faith-based communities in addressing social issues.