Poto He Anga: Collaboration and Consultation in Pasifika Research

Abstract

Research into the literacy of Pasifika (Pacific Island) children has predominantly focused on what the children cannot do. We present a layered account as we report on the issues, strategies and learnings from a project that set out to focus on success. With the guidance of matai (chiefs) we drew on the traditional Pasifika approach of Talanoa to allow important stories to be told. Talanoa both supports and challenges traditional and alternative Palagi (a Polynesian word for European) approaches to qualitative research. Three critical issues for researchers are identified: group ownership and control of the process and outcomes, the importance of collaboratively sharing research outcomes with the researched and the wider Pasifika community, and the value of opportunities for Pasifika and Palagi to undertake Pasifika research together.

Citation

Fletcher, J., Parkhill, F., Fa’afoi, A. and Morton, M. (2006), "Poto He Anga: Collaboration and Consultation in Pasifika Research", Qualitative Research Journal, Vol. 6 No. 1, pp. 36-50. https://doi.org/10.1108/14439883200600003