Our Story
Our Mission
To shine a light on resilient and sustainable Pasifika communities by, Leading different types of research that engage Pasifika communities. Bridging the gap between academia and everyday realities by applying our core principle of NIU – Navigating In Unity. Contributing towards producing new knowledge and transformative change, to create safe spaces for empowering people to flourish and thrive.
Core Values
Faith-led
Authentic Connection
Service-hearted
Uncomfortable courage
Our Team
Dr. Siautu Alefaio-Tugia
FOUNDER
THINKER
DOER
Petra Satele
LEADER
RESEARCH-NAVIGATOR
SCHOLAR-ACTIVIST
Kotalo Leau
LEADER
RESEARCH-NAVIGATOR
COMMUNITY-CONNECTOR
Diversity in Ageing well: Samoan youth as intergenerational carers
Marlon Naepi
LEADER
RESEARCH-NAVIGATOR
INNOVATIVE IMPACTOR
Matt Luani
LEADER
RESEARCH-NAVIGATOR
CULTURAL-INDIGENOUS DESIGNER
Doctoral candidate in Design
Navigating in the Niu.
Uniting design methods and disaster response for our Pacific communities.
Research Village
Sesimani Havea
Doctoral candidate in Psychology
Tongan indigenous approaches to Kainga (family) restoration and wellbeing
Velonika Nikki Falaniko
Doctoral candidate in Climate Science
Community Surveillance of Freshwater in Oceania: A Study in Samoa
Eirenei Taua’i
Master of Indigenous Studies:
(University of Otago)
Exploring the elder caregiving experiences of Samoan carers during COVID19 pandemic alert level 4 lockdown
Diversity in Ageing well: Samoan youth as intergenerational carers
Rochelle Nafatali
Doctoral candidate of Clinical Psychology:
Talanoa with Pacific parents of autistic children in Aotearoa.
Alosina Nua
Gloria Finau
Master of Science in Psychology
Taulaga Monica Auva'a-Alatimu
Doctoral candidate in psychology
Loto Maliē (wilful heart): Understanding Pacific youth mental wellbeing
Malcolm Andrews
Doctoral candidate in psychology
E sega ni vuka na kaka me biu toka na buina:
Building Forward Better through an iTaukei worldview for sustainable livelihoods in a climate of cascading disasters
Our Village
