Researching in Partnership: Utilising Fa’asamoa and Western Research Frameworks in Fieldwork in Aotearoa/New Zealand

1. Pacific Research Workshop: Towards A Pacific Research AgendaMSD Social Policy Research and Evaluation Conference Wellington Convention Centre. 29 – 30 April, 2003 Researching in Partnership: Utilising Fa’asamoa and Western Research Frameworks in Fieldwork in Aotearoa/New Zealand Ieti Lima, Candidate for PhD, Department of Sociology, University of Auckland. Email: i.lima@auckland.ac.nz (Acknowledgement: This presentation has benefited from research funding through a PhD Research Fellowship from the HRC, and an ALAC Postgraduate Travel Grant to do PhD fieldwork in Samoa)

2. Fa’asamoa • The Samoan Way • Traditional knowledge & epistemology • Samoan social organisations (e.g. extended families) • Fa’amatai (chiefly system) • ‘Aiga (descent group) • Fa’alavelave (important cultural events) • Fa’aaloalo (respect) • Dignity (mamalu)

3. Questions of Research methods and cultural consideration • What methods and models may be more culturally appropriate for Pacific research? • Are there particular research methods more appropriate for Pacific people than others? *Pacific peoples in NZ not homogeneous *Samoan people not homogeneous *Varied research contexts • How can Pacific research grow, and be enhanced?

4. Some Methodological Considerations • Appropriate Pacific cultural protocols and processes Some Pacific people and communities are ‘sick’ of being researched so: • Build and nurture relationships with all Pacific Island communities • Invest time and resources to establish rapport with research participants • Treat all Pacific communities and participants courteously and with respect • Use Appropriate Samoan/Pacific languages where necessary • Samoan and other pacific cultures value: -generosity and reciprocity -respect and dignity -recognition and courtesy

5. Research with Pacific peoples • Need for Research frameworks and methodologies that are responsive to Pacific communities’ needs and aspirations • Need to grow capacity and capabilities of Pacific researchers • Use Pacific languages when doing research with Pacific communities • Pacific research in New Zealand should be Pacific- or ethnic-specific, where necessary • Need for understanding and ‘goodwill’ within government bureaucracies towards Pacific research • Need for ‘real action not tokenism’

6. Western Research Framework • ‘Western ways’ dominant • Western knowledge & epistemology • Western methodologies

7. MSD Pacific Strategy • Need for Pacific Research Framework and Guidelines in MSD Pacific Strategy • Need for input from Pacific communities in planning, implementation, and development of Pacific research • Need for co-operation and sharing of research processes and information between MSD and other government sectors

8. Some Ethical Considerations • Avoid ambiguities and misunderstanding of concepts and terminologies *E.g.: What is health in a Pacific context? Does health mean well-being or wellness? *Consult with MPIA and/or community representatives for clarification if needed • Provide appropriate meaalofa *Samoan and other pacific customs value generosity and reciprocity • Ensure research findings are disseminated to participants *Some Pacific people are ‘sick’ of being researched

9. Future strategies • Incorporate elements of fa’asamoa/Pacific cultural values relevant to, and appropriate in development of MSD’s future research frameworks and guidelines • Provide scholarships for Pacific students/staff in areas of social research, policy analysis, social work, etc., to grow MSD Pacific workforce and Pacific researcher capacity • Encourage intersectoral collaborations within government and non-government agencies on research with Pacific people • Incorporate long-term (10-year) Research Plan within the MSD Pacific Strategy, to ensure continuity of current momentum for Pacific research