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

Abstract

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.