Book offers Pacific-indigenous insights and showcases the growth of Pacific researchers

The book, Pacific-Indigenous Psychology, profiles contemporary Pacific needs in areas of crisis such as family violence, education disparities and health inequities, and points to ancient Pacific-indigenous knowledges as tools of healing for global diasporic communities in need. Dr Alefaio-Tugia says the book is important in offering something that has been missing from informing the psychology knowledge base – a Pacific-indigenous perspective.

Prime Minister of Samoa, the Honorable Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa, launched the book in Samoa on 23 April at an event attended by various distinguished guests. These included Hon Aupito Siō, Australian High Commissioner Ms Emily Luck, United States Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Noriko Horiuchi and National University of Samoa’s first female Vice-Chancellor Associate Professor Tufuisa’a Patila Amosa.

The book was launched in Samoa to honour and acknowledge notable cultural authorities who shared as Fa’aSamoa cultural collaborators for reinforming psychology. These include Prime Minister Hon Fiamē Mata’afa, former Head of State of Samoa Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, Hon Le Tagaloa Pitapola, Reverend Utufua Naseri and Reverend Vavatau and Roina Taufao. The book guides and inspires readers through collective wisdom shared by these Samoan cultural thought-leaders.

A book launch was also held at Massey’s Auckland campus library on 31 May to coincide with Samoan Language Week. Over 80 students and teachers from the Samoan bilingual unit at Roscommon School in South Auckland attended, where they were hosted by the Pacific Students Association and toured the Auckland campus. For many students, it was their first time over the Harbour Bridge and on a university campus. Roscommon school students took part in the book launch through pese (hymns/song) and siva (dance).

Dr Alefaio-Tugia says surrounding university professors, academics and librarians with over 80 Samoan bilingual students, teachers and parents is education reform for education equity.

“These are perilous times in universities and higher education, so it is important we go back to our communities and draw together for the next-gen leaders of tomorrow, today. Understanding these needs forms authentic partnership, creating opportunities for innovative cultural exchange.”

A final event was held at parliament on 8 June, in conjunction with the first report on Caring for wisdom bearers: Pacific Mātua (Elder) care. The event was hosted by Member of Parliament Anahila Kanongata'a and the Pāsifika Labour Caucus. It brought together churches and communities across Auckland and Palmerston North who participated in the study, as well as a Tongan church brass band. It was a grand celebration of Pacific research and the diasporic communities that are re-informing the landscape of psychology, social work and mental health in New Zealand.

Caring for our wisdom-bearers is led by Dr Alefaio-Tugia and colleagues Professor Tracie Mafile’o (Avondale College Australia), Associate Professor Sione Vaka (Waikato University), Kotalo Leau (Pacific Research Officer) and study mentors Professors Fiona Alpass and Professor Christine Stephens.

A highlight of the parliamentary launch was the showcasing of Pacific postgraduates as emerging researchers. Massey’s first Pacific Doctor of Clinical Psychology graduate Dr Rochelle Nafatali was joined by six Pacific doctoral candidates in psychology, creative arts and science, and three master’s students. There are now over 12 Pacific postgraduates in psychology, with eight being doctoral candidates - a record number for any university in New Zealand and across the globe.

“This has been made possible through the outstanding support and commitment of staff in the School of Psychology and College of Humanities and Social Sciences Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Cynthia White, who featured as guest speaker for the launch and championed the Pacific postgraduate students in attendance,” Dr Alefaio-Tugia explains.

“These significant milestones were made possible by a collective effort of amazing Pacific leaders in academia: Petra Satele, Kotalo Leau, Marlon Naepi, Velonika Falaniko and Janice Ikiuia-Pasi. Together they epitomise a new era of Pacific leadership in research.”