A new book exploring Pacific wellbeing across Aotearoa (New Zealand) and Australia will launch at the Waipapa Taumata Rau (University of Auckland) on Friday, bringing together research, community knowledge and lived experiences.
Published by Springer Nature, Untangling Notions of Pacific Wellbeing Across the Trans-Tasman Diaspora examines wellbeing through cultural, social, educational, health and community perspectives.
The book is co-edited by University of Auckland senior lecturer and Fofonga Director, Dr Charmaine 'Ilaiū Talei, Dr Ruth Faleolo, Associate Professor Sam Manuela and Lefaoalii Associate Professor Dion Enari.
Its chapters challenge conventional approaches to wellbeing and place Pacific worldviews at the centre of research and discussion.
The publication draws on knowledge held within Pacific communities and the contributions of researchers, practitioners and community leaders.
"This book celebrates the knowledge, resilience and wisdom that already exist within Pacific communities," Ms 'Ilaiū Talei said.
"It reflects the collective contributions of researchers, communities and knowledge holders who continue to shape more meaningful understandings of Pacific wellbeing across generations and across borders."
The chapters challenge deficit narratives and recognise Pacific peoples as innovators, leaders and experts in their own wellbeing.
"Too often Pacific communities are viewed through narrow measures of success or vulnerability," Ms 'Ilaiū Talei said.
"This collection embraces the richness, complexity and diversity of Pacific experiences and centres Pacific ways of knowing, being and belonging."
Forewords by Aupito Sua William Sio, Fonoiā Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, Karl Pulotu-Endemann and Sione Tu'itahi acknowledge longstanding work supporting Pacific wellbeing.
Contributors include Dame Dr Teuila Percival, Dr Chris Puli'uvea, Dr Natalie Netzler and Malaeulu Seuta'afili Associate Professor Patrick Thomsen, whose work spans health, education, public policy, community development and creative practice.
Deputy Labour Leader Carmel Sepuloni, a guest speaker at the launch, highlighted the book's potential to inform decisions and improve support for Pacific families.
"We know many Pacific families are under pressure, and while our collective strength is one of our greatest assets, families cannot be expected to carry everything on their own," Ms Sepuloni said.
"We need services and systems that understand our communities and give people the support they need to thrive."
Ms Sepuloni also linked the publication to the importance of Pacific representation in research and leadership.
"I also know, as a Pacific woman in public life, how important it is for our young people to see themselves represented in academia and in positions of leadership," Ms Sepuloni said.
"They need to know that the research we bring and the knowledge we hold belong in our universities, our boardrooms, our public institutions and in Parliament, and that we don't have to leave our identity or culture behind to succeed."
The launch will take place in the Fa'anānā Efeso Collins Space at the university's General Library, bringing together editors, contributors, students and community members.
Following the launch, contributors will deliver five-minute presentations through TOKTALK, introducing the research, ideas and lived experiences featured in their chapters.
The format aims to make research accessible and encourage discussion between contributors and communities.
"We wanted this launch to be more than a book celebration," Ms 'Ilaiū Talei said.
"TOKTALK creates a space for dialogue, connection and knowledge sharing, allowing contributors to bring their chapters to life and engage directly with our communities."
The book is available via the Springer Nature website.
