This thesis is an exploratory study of the experiences and perceptions of a group of New Zealand-born Tongan males living in Auckland on what participation in the Tongan cultural practice of the faikava meant to them, how they valued this experience and whether they believed participation could help minimise some of the social pressures Tongan...

The concept of youth participation is explored in the EFKS church context where the perspectives of young Samoan people of South Auckland are explored. In the Samoan culture, children and young people are usually the unheard and quiet voices at formal settings (Simanu, 2002; Tamasese, 2009). This thesis analyses the place of young people in...

The purpose of this thesis was to find ways in which the current practices of Tongan culture and of the church could be modified so that any economic adverse impact they have on Tongans could be alleviated. This research is particularly significant when contextualised in the current unfavourable economic environment surrounding Tongans in Tonga and...

Tonga reputably has the highest per capita number of PhDs in the world; this indicates the high value placed on formal education by Tongans. At the same time, many Tongans, especially those living in New Zealand, are amongst those seen as ‘failures’ of the education system. With the latter concern particularly in mind, this thesis...

Obesity in childhood has physical, psychological and social consequences that impact on health and quality of life. While there is a need for obesity prevention and treatment programmes amongst all New Zealanders, the need is greatest for Pacific children and their families. Over one in five Pacific children (23%) and three in five Pacific adults...