Pacific wellbeing across the Trans-Tasman diaspora explored in new book

A major new book bringing together the voices of Pacific researchers, practitioners and community leaders from across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia launches tonight, 16 October at the University of Auckland, offering fresh insights into Pacific wellbeing across the Trans-Tasman diaspora.

Untangling Notions of Pacific Wellbeing Across the Trans-Tasman Diaspora celebrates diverse understandings of Pacific wellbeing across the Trans-Tasman diaspora.

Published by Springer Nature, the book is co-edited by University of Auckland senior lecturer and Fofonga Director Dr Charmaine 'Ilaiū Talei, alongside Dr Ruth Faleolo, Associate Professor Sam Manuela and Lefaoalii Associate Professor Dion Enari.

The new title explores Pacific wellbeing through a range of cultural, social, educational, health and community perspectives, bringing together the voices of researchers, practitioners and communities to challenge conventional approaches and centre Pacific worldviews.

Untangling Notions of Pacific Wellbeing Across the Trans-Tasman Diaspora acknowledges the long legacy of enabling Pacific wellbeing through forewords by Hon. Aupito Sua William Sio, Fonoiā Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, Karl Pulotu-Endemann and Sione Tu'itahi.

Contributors include respected Pacific scholars and leaders such as Dame Dr Teuila Percival (Honorary Associate Professor), Dr Chris Puli'uvea, Dr Natalie Netzler, Malaeulu Seuta'afili Associate Professor Patrick Thomsen and many others whose work spans health, education, public policy, community development and creative practice.

Dr 'Ilaiū Talei says the publication represents a collective achievement grounded in Pacific values and lived experiences.

"This book celebrates the knowledge, resilience and wisdom that already exist within Pacific communities. 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."

She says deficit narratives are challenged within its chapters, while Pacific peoples are highlighted as innovators, leaders and experts in their own wellbeing.

"Too often Pacific communities are viewed through narrow measures of success or vulnerability. This collection embraces the richness, complexity and diversity of Pacific experiences and centres Pacific ways of knowing, being and belonging."

Deputy Labour Leader Hon. Carmel Sepuloni, a guest speaker at the launch, said the publication arrives at a critical time for Pacific communities, offering evidence, insight and solutions that can help shape a more responsive approach to Pacific wellbeing across Aotearoa.

"This is why I am looking forward to tonight's book launch and hearing directly from the chapter contributors. This book has the opportunity to inform decision-making around Pacific wellbeing. 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. We need services and systems that understand our communities and give people the support they need to thrive."

"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. 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 of Auckland's General Library, bringing together editors, contributors, students and community members to celebrate the publication.

Following the launch, the book’s contributors will present a series of dynamic five-minute TOKTALKS, offering audiences a rapid-fire introduction to the ideas, research and lived experiences featured throughout the book.

Dr 'Ilaiū Talei says the dynamic event reflects the collaborative spirit behind the publication.

"We wanted this launch to be more than a book celebration. TOKTALKS creates a space for dialogue, connection and knowledge sharing, allowing contributors to bring their chapters to life and engage directly with our communities."

The event highlights the growing contribution of Pacific-led scholarship in informing policies and practices that support the holistic wellbeing of Pacific peoples across the region and beyond.