Pacific and Pasifika Theses
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The theses listed in this collection were all completed at Massey University in a range of different departments and institutes. They have been included in this collection if the topic is strongly related to Pasifika/the Pacific.
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- ItemKūkū : a re-imagined fangufangu developed through a Kakala Design Framework : a thesis is presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of : Doctor of Philosophy in Design, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, Ngā Pae Mahutonga, Pōneke, Aotearoa | Massey University, School of Design, Wellington, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 19 December 2025.(Massey University, 2024-09-23) Kaulamatoa, RachaelThe fangufangu (nose flute) is a Tongan musical instrument that traces back hundreds of years. Each fangufangu possesses unique physical characteristics, contributing to its distinct sound. Highlighting its historical and cultural significance, one customary use was awakening nobility from slumber. Although rare today, practices of making and performing the fangufangu have been revitalized by Tongan communities in recent years. However, there is limited research on the fangufangu, particularly from a Tongan perspective. This practice-led creative research develops and applies a Kakala Design Framework to holistically and collaboratively explore possibilities of the fangufangu for modern musicians of the Tongan diaspora. The culmination of this research is embodied in Kūkū, a re-imagined fangufangu that enhances specific musical, tangible and visual aesthetics by harmoniously weaving notions of past, present and future. Through an analogue design approach, primary elements of form and material contribute towards enhancing instrument playability and sonic versatility to accommodate use across diverse musical environments and playing styles. Guided by an Indigenised industrial design process predicated on Tongan world-views and values, this exegesis reflects on the collaborative development of Kūkū with Tongan fangufangu practitioners.
- ItemPacific media’s portrayal of type two diabetes : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Health Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Eden, ChelseaPacific countries experience the highest rates of type two diabetes (T2D) in the world. Type two diabetes is a chronic health condition, resulting from the bodies inability to regulate insulin, and when left untreated can result in serious health consequences. Diabetes is the nineth leading cause of death worldwide, and T2D is the most prevalent, accounting for 90% of diabetes cases. Little is known about how media frames T2D across New Zealand and the Pacific. This study used reflexive thematic analysis to examine Pacific print media, to identify the messages about T2D. Specifically, it looked into how T2D is described and portrayed, and the causes, effects, and solutions that are reported across the articles. The study analysed 103 online Pacific print media articles. Key themes were: the description of what T2D is, and the causes, effects and solutions of T2D. New Zealand articles tended to present a broader perspective, considering wider factors such as globalisation, neoliberalism and determinants of health, and the differing impact this has on populations. Contrastingly, the majority of articles originating in the Pacific, focussed on a specific aspect of T2D, such as a specific, cause, effect or solution. Articles varied in framing of T2D, its impacts, and explanations regarding its causes and effects. These framings included T2D being presented as a life-long condition, a treatable illness, a disease, and a lifestyle issue. However, the articles tended to lack depth of discussion, such as framing healthy eating as a solution and cure but not unpacking what this means. Western, neoliberal ideology dominated the media articles with no articles covering Pacific models of health. Many of the causes of T2D and its more serious consequences were attributed to the individual’s choices and globalisation. The effects across articles were often presented as dire and extreme, with articles generally focused on one effect (such as amputation). Solutions across articles again very much focused on what the individual should do, with articles focused on a single solution with little justification or alternative provided. There were few articles examining sustainable and value aligning changes that could be made to reduce the incidence of T2D and its consequences. Overall, the media portrayed T2D as a serious noncommunicable disease that is a burden on society with Pacific people positioned at risk.
- ItemUnderstanding the work of Community Public Health Nurses in Fiji and the challenges they face : a thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024-09-09) Kumar, KishanAim: To investigate the type of work (interventions) undertaken by community public health nurses (CPHNs) in Fiji to determine if there has been a shift from a broader health promotion and primary disease prevention focus to a narrower focus on providing direct patient care. Methods: The study used a mixed methods explanatory sequential research design, which included two phases. The first phase was a survey of 458 CPHNs working in Fiji. The survey examined the social, demographic and geographical characteristics of CPHNs (urban/peri urban, rural, rural remote/maritime), along with the interventions they performed (72 in total) covering direct patient care and health promotion and primary prevention at individual, community and system-population based levels. Additionally, it assessed the knowledge and clinical preparation of CPHNs for their current roles. Quantitative analysis techniques used were descriptive statistics, chi-square, Fisher’s exact and Cramer’s V tests. The second phase comprised in-depth interviews with ten CPHNs to determine the ways they undertook interventions; changes to their role within the past ten years; perspectives on the reasons for any change/s, and the challenges that can be encountered when undertaking daily tasks. Thematic analysis was used to analyse interviews. Results: Phase 1: quantitative findings showed CPHNs undertook diverse interventions with geographical practice location often associated with the frequency of interventions. All CPHNs, irrespective of geographical practice location, performed direct patient care more than expected on a daily and weekly basis and less than expected on a quarterly basis. All CPHNs performed health promotion and primary prevention less than expected on a daily and weekly basis and more so on a quarterly basis. Phase 2: the qualitative findings revealed that CPHNs in rural and remote rural/maritime areas engaged in health promotion and primary prevention through coalition building and community organising due to isolation and physical environment. Nurses in urban/peri urban settings engaged in direct patient care interventions such as immunisation, management of NCD complications and home-based care. CPHNs reported that in the past decade there had been a shift from health promotion and primary prevention to direct patient care and attributed this to expanded roles and growing workloads, an increased focus on community-based healthcare, an increase in population size and service demands. Conclusion: CPHNs in Fiji have experienced a shift in their role from a broader focus on health promotion and primary disease prevention to a narrower focus on providing increasingly more direct patient care.
- ItemKia rauka I te tūranga memeitaki no te iti tangata ānuanua o te Kuki Airani = Towards attaining holistic wellbeing for the Rainbow community of the Cook Islands : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in International Development, Massey University, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Wichman, Valentino (Valery) Tefa'atauKia Orana and welcome to this scholarly exploration of Tūranga Memeitaki, or Wellbeing, within the Ānuanua, or Rainbow, Community of the Cook Islands, guided by the principles of Akapapa’anga (genealogies) and Kai Vānanga (elevated conversations). This thesis is a deliberate endeavor to shed light on the experiences of a unique and often marginalized community. It aims to address the question of what is Tūranga Memeitaki for the Ānuanua community? Grounded in the Akapapa'anga methodology, which delves into the intricate web of relationships and connections among individuals and groups, this research employs Māori genealogical analysis to unearth the nuanced dimensions of Tūranga Memeitaki within the Ānuanua community. By drawing upon family trees, oral traditions, historical records, and diverse information sources, this approach offers a comprehensive understanding of the community's wellbeing dynamics. To navigate the sensitive nature of discussions and the subject matter concerning the Ānuanua community, a novel method known as Kai Vānanga Vatavata has been developed. Inspired by other Pacific approaches, this method has been customized to accommodate the specific needs and concerns of marginalized communities, ensuring respectful and culturally appropriate data collection and interpretation. Throughout the enquiry, the Kai Vānanga Vatavata method has undergone continuous refinement to optimize its efficacy in capturing the diverse perspectives and experiences within the Ānuanua community. Given the distinct challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities worldwide, a nuanced understanding of Tūranga Memeitaki for the Ānuanua community holds significant implications for addressing these challenges effectively. The research methodology incorporated interviews, focus groups, and literature analysis to explore the multifaceted dimensions of wellbeing and its impact on holistic human experience. By engaging directly with members of the Ānuanua community, this study aims to amplify their voices, illuminate their narratives, and contribute to the development of tailored policy solutions and research recommendations aimed at enhancing their overall wellbeing. The principal outcomes derived from the Kai Vānanga Vatavata highlight the imperative of conducting research that is culturally relevant and led by Ānuanua for Ānuanua. It underscores the urgency of ceasing the compartmentalization or 'othering' of the Ānuanua community, recognizing resilience and beyond both within this community and more broadly, and transitioning from a focus on wellbeing to an emphasis on wholebeing.
- ItemPacific peoples’ perspectives on spiritual health : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Public Health in Public Health at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Hitti, Penina RuhiyyihThis research investigates Pacific peoples’ perspectives on spiritual health and how this perspective contributes to the discourse on social determinants of health for inclusion in public health programmes and approaches. Pacific views on the value of holistic health and cultural principles are fundamental in addressing health inequities for Pacific people. Within the context of public health, the aim of the research examines the relationship between spirituality and wellbeing, acknowledging the interconnectedness of spiritual health with physical, mental, and social health. The research methods of inquiry includes an extensive literature review to identify a definition of spiritual health, considering historical influences and the potential challenges that present themselves when efforts are made to fit indigenous knowledge into existing health frameworks. The study also uses a qualitative methodology and adopts Pacific Talanoa for its focus group discussion among Pacific peoples representing different religious backgrounds. The findings highlight four main themes as a result of the focus group (1) interconnectedness of spiritual health with other areas of health; (2) importance of spiritual health practices; (3) influence of religious and cultural factors; and (4) interdependence of spiritual health on individual, familial, communal, and environmental health. In conclusion, this study found that spiritual health has a significant role in promoting holistic wellbeing and health for Pacific peoples. By including and incorporating cultural and religious elements into health interventions, public health professionals and researchers may be able to develop more effective strategies to address health disparities and promote equitable health outcomes for Pacific people.
- ItemExploring the potential of Green Tourism Bonds as a climate financing initiative in Samoa : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of International Development, Development Studies, Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Patrick, Isabella GraceThis research aimed to explore the potential of a climate financing initiative, namely Green Tourism Bonds, in Samoa. Green Tourism Bonds are a climate financing initiative that allows the tourism sector to adapt and mitigate to the impacts of climate change through providing financial capital where needed. With only one prominent case of Green Tourism Bonds being used globally, there is a research gap in Samoa to explore how these bonds could be implemented in line with Samoan aspirations. Therefore, this research undertook an approach that is driven by the sustainable tourism development aspirations of the Samoan Tourism Authority and the Government of Samoa. The development research problem is that globally-led climate financing initiatives are hard to access for Small Island Developing States, and do not encourage them to tap into their already present forms of community resilience. An example of this resilience can be seen through Latai‐Niusulu, Binns, et al., (2020) cultural-ecological lens on climate change resilience, which directly draws from the knowledge that Samoans have been resilient throughout their history. These historic, dynamic and adaptable patterns of resilience continue to be drawn upon in the contemporary climate change environment (Latai‐Niusulu et al., 2020). This research found that for Green Tourism Bonds to have potential in Samoa, they would have to align with their sustainable tourism development and climate financing approaches. Ultimately, for climate financing to contribute to long-term, in-country resilience, cultural ecological resilience needs to be at the forefront. If it is to be connected to tourism, climate financing needs to also uphold how the sustainability principles established by the Pacific Tourism Organisation are conceptualised in Samoa. Green Tourism Bonds have made proven contributions to the sustainable tourism development in other places. However, due to the challenges posed by the economic COVID-19 recovery, the ‘newness’ of climate financing, capacity of the Government of Samoa and the tourism sector in Samoa, this approach is not recommended in the short- to medium-term in Samoa. This research connects sustainable tourism development and climate financing together in the Samoan context and recommends further options for Samoa.
- ItemThe evolution of public administration and conflict in a post-conflict state : history’s role in Fiji’s political trajectory : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024-04-16) Loga, Patricia Savukiono-I-TuikabaraViolent geo-political conflicts are on the rise across the globe and most of the countries that experience these conflicts are developing nations like Fiji (Fund for Peace, 2022). Countries that are prone to conflict are classified as fragile States. In the aftermath of a conflict, the public sector is under immense pressure to restabilise the nation and normalise service provision to citizens. Understanding the behaviour of conflict and public administration in a post-conflict State is key for nation rebuilding because it gives an insight into the levers and impediments for crisis management. Although studies have explored crisis management in post-conflict States (Kaplan, 2008), little is known about the role that historical institutions play in the evolution and continuity of conflict and public administration. To address this gap, this thesis used the path dependency theory to explain how policy actions and decisions established a continuous cycle of conflict. Using institutionalism and resilience, this research described why public administration remained fragile despite showing signs of evolution in Fiji’s political trajectory. Based on the findings, it is suggested that policy actors in Fiji consider the following embedded ideologies in their policy making process: race-based politics, intertwined traditional and political roles, adversarial approaches to the protection of interests and segmented economic structures. Fiji is locked into a path of conflict and resilience is restrained by institutionalised processes; an understanding of historical structures that hinder progress can help policy actors create effective public policies. The first significant finding argued that conflict is pathdependent because Fiji was subjected to indirect rule when it was under colonial rule and that the short time taken for the nation to transition from a colony to an independent State created a lack of readiness for self-government. Public administration stability in Fiji was hindered by the co-existence of institutionalism and resilience. It was found that resilience thinking was stifled by institutionalised ideologies that had become embedded in the public administration system. This research made two key contributions: developed a theoretical understanding of public administration and conflict using the path-dependency, institutionalism, and resilience theories. The lessons learned to contribute to policy knowledge on crisis management and nation rebuilding in developing countries like Fiji. This research was conducted using archival research, which was collected from Archives New Zealand and the National Archives of Fiji. Archival research and document analysis complemented the path-dependency, institutionalism, and resilience theories, which involve a descriptive analysis of how past policy decisions affect the behaviour of institutions. In total, 3,270 documents from the years 1858 to 1992 were retrieved and analysed via document analysis and theoretical thematic analysis. Using archival research to study Fiji’s political history aided the identification of themes that explained how and when conflict became path dependent, and why public administration institutions were fragile. The findings from this thesis are contextual and Fiji is a small island developing State so it would be difficult to generalise or replicate. To add to the knowledge of conflict analysis, and nation rebuilding, future research could explore other post-conflict States or former colonies to find out if conflict is path-dependent and which factors create fragility in a public administration. The co-existence of institutionalism and resilience also has room for further development. There is an opportunity to explore the behaviour of these two theoretical frameworks in public administration. A deeper understanding of the push and pull effects of institutionalism and resilience has the potential to improve public sector reform and policy transfer processes.
- ItemTongan 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), SesimaniSubstantive 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.
- ItemThe effects of mindfulness meditation on the well-being of Pasifika students : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2023) Uele, Miriam FBackground: Mindfulness application has become a topic of interest in academic research, primarily because it has been shown to support positive well-being. Mental health disorders disproportionately affect young adults aged 15 to 24, specifically Pasifika people. To the researcher's best knowledge, a mindfulness-based intervention implemented by Pasifika University students is lacking. For such reasons, the current study addresses the research gap by introducing a feasible exploratory study that aims to consider whether participation in a brief four-week mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention (MBSR) can improve levels of subjective well-being, Pasifika identity and well-being, and mindfulness of Pasifika University students. Method: The current study involved a single-group design utilising a quantitative method. Data was collected pre-and-post MBSR intervention using three self-report psychometric measures including the Well-being Index measure (WHO-8), Pacific Identity and Well-being Revised measure (PIWBSR-35), and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-39). A paired samples t-test was conducted pre-and-post the MBSR intervention. Results: The findings revealed that subjective well-being, Pasifika identity and well-being were significant post-intervention. However, mindfulness scores were insignificant. A further paired samples t-test was conducted on the individual factors of Pacific identity and well-being and the individual mindfulness facets. The analysis revealed that the mindfulness observation was significant. Conclusion: It can be proposed that a mindfulness meditation intervention could be appropriate for Pasifika University students aged 18 – 24 years old. While this is the case, it is crucial to consider these findings with caution. The current pilot study is a stepping stone towards further investigations that can promote the well-being of Pasifika people.
- Item"E lē ma’i, o le malosi!" = (He’s not sick, he’s strong!) : Pacific parents’ journey of raising autistic children in Aotearoa : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology at Massey University, Albany, Aotearoa New Zealand(Massey University, 2023) Nafatali, RochelleMinistry of Health data estimates there are 4,000 Pacific children in Aotearoa New Zealand officially diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. This figure is likely underestimating the true prevalence of autism within Aotearoa Pacific communities, due to diagnostic disproportionality, and a lack of autism assessments completed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Children of Indigenous and ethnic minority populations globally tend to be diagnosed later, incorrectly diagnosed, or are not referred for autism diagnosis. Indigenous and ethnic minority parents regularly have their concerns dismissed by health professionals, face lengthy delays, and endure multiple attempts at diagnostic referral. Despite the growing autistic community globally, and Pacific peoples being the fastest-growing youth population in Aotearoa, Pacific peoples’ perspectives and experiences have not been included in autism research. Consequently, no reliable data exist on Pacific autistic people, and just six percent (6%) of eligible Pacific families are accessing Disability Support Services within Aotearoa. This first Pacific-led study (based on three Pacific-Indigenous research frameworks) focuses on Pacific parents’ expert knowledge from lived experience raising their autistic children, revealing key differences from a Pacific-Indigenous context in autism conceptualisation, support access, and language and culture maintenance. Fifteen Pacific parents of autistic children from the Pasifika Autism Support Group and Pacific community in Auckland Aotearoa, participated in eight research talanoa. Findings revealed parents sought an overall state of Diasporic Adaptation to Neurodiversity which involved acceptance, adaptation, and unlearning for Pacific parents. Four subthemes together explained the experience of Pacific parents of autistic children in Aotearoa: 1) Uncharted Islands: Understanding Autism; 2) Encountering Stormy Seas: Challenges; 3) Collective Unity through Relational Resilience; and, 4) Autism Support. Pacific-Indigenous knowledge and knowledge gained from Pacific parents was woven together to create the Tapasā a Tagata Sa’ilimalo (compass for people in search of success), which can be used for navigating the experiences of Pacific parents of autistic children within Aotearoa. Together with clinical implications provided, the Tapasā a Tagata Sa’ilimalo can guide clinicians, educators, and practitioners working with Pacific families of autistic children in Aotearoa to provide culturally appropriate, family-centred care and support prior to, during, and following autism diagnosis.
