Jacoba Matapo

"My doctoral research explores emerging forms of Pasifika leadership within the context of higher education."

Jacoba Matapo
Jacoba Matapo

Title of research: Re-imagining Pasifika leadership in higher education

"My doctoral research explores emerging forms of Pasifika leadership within the context of higher education.

"As Pasifika, my understanding of my experiences in education have developed from a critical lens, through a process of critiquing the imperial and colonial subjugation of Pacific knowledge in Pasifika education.

"The main inspirations for my research and why I choose to research in the context of Pasifika education are Atua, my mother, my aiga. I believe there is wisdom in looking back to look forward; the importance of remaining connected to past to navigate present in a hope for futures for a people(s) yet to come.

"This research matters, as it draws upon Pacific indigenous world views, to explore Pacific onto-epistemology in leadership within Pasifika higher education and research. It is about engagement of Pasifika leadership as Pasifika in higher education.

"My hope for this research is to encourage a renewed commitment in praxis within Aotearoa, to strengthen Pasifika leadership as a cultural and collective political act.

"The best thing about researching at the Faculty of Education and Social Work is having the opportunity to work alongside Pasifika scholars and research experts who mentor and guide my research. As an emerging researcher, I have had extensive opportunities to present and publish my work to enhance my research profile."

Ehara taku toa, he taki tahi, he toa taki tini.