Developing Our Voices: Pacific Early Career Academics’ Journeys in Aotearoa New Zealand

Tim Baice; Sereana Naepi; Seuta‘afili Patrick Thomsen; Karamia Muller; Marcia Leenen-Young; Sam Manuela; Sisikula Sisifa

doi:10.26686/jnzs.iNS33.7379

Authors

Tim Baice University of Auckland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4970-7889
Sereana Naepi University of Auckland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6067-9014
Seuta‘afili Patrick Thomsen University of Auckland https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7498-7192
Karamia Muller University of Auckland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9462-8055
Marcia Leenen-Young University of Auckland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3630-5346
Sam Manuela University of Auckland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4030-3490
Sisikula Sisifa University of Auckland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4736-3063

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26686/jnzs.iNS33.7379

Abstract

The proportion of Pacific academics in permanent confirmation path positions at New Zealand universities (1.4 percent) continues to lag far behind the Pacific share of New Zealand’s population (7 percent). In this paper, we use a thematic talanoa to explore the experiences of Pacific early career academics (PECA) at the University of Auckland to highlight the key themes, challenges and features of our daily lives in the colonial, Western, and Pākehā institution that is the university. This paper sheds light on the systemic and structural barriers that impact PECA journeys through higher education and suggests actions that universities in New Zealand can take to further support, nurture, and develop PECA pathways into and upward through the academy.

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Author Biographies

Tim Baice, University of Auckland

Tim Baice (Sāmoa -Sataoa, Safata & Siufaga, Falelatai) is a Lecturer in the School of Critical Studies in Education (CRISTIE) at the Faculty of Education and Social Work, Waipapa Taumata Rau the University of Auckland. Tim is also a current doctoral candidate in Te Puna Wānanga-the School of Māori and Indigenous Education.

Sereana Naepi, University of Auckland

Dr Sereana Naepi (Fijian/Pākehā; she/her) is a pouako, Lecturer in Sociology at Te Puna Mārama (School of Social Sciences), Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland. Sereana is a Rutherford Fellow and explores how our university and research sector can be more equitable.

Seuta‘afili Patrick Thomsen, University of Auckland

Dr Seuta‘afili Patrick Thomsen (Sāmoa -Vaimoso, Vaigaga; he/them) is a Lecturer in Global Studies at Te Puna Reo (School of Cultures Languages and Linguistics) Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. He is the Queer and LGBT+ Studies Collection Editor for Lived Places Publishing, Board Member of F’INE Pasifika Aotearoa, Principal Investigator for the Manalagi Project, as well as Creator and Producer of the Manalagi TV series airing in 2022. He received his PhD from the University of Washington -Seattle.

Karamia Muller, University of Auckland

Dr Karamia Mulleris a Lecturer at the School of Architecture and Planning, Creative Arts and Industries, UoA. Her research focuses on the meaningful ‘indigenisation’ of design methodologies invested in building futures resistant to inequality.

Marcia Leenen-Young, University of Auckland

Dr Marcia Leenen-Young (Sāmoan/Pākehā; she/her) is a Lecturer in Pacific Studies in Te Wānanga o Waipapa: School of Māori and Pacific Studies, Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland. She is a historian with interests in the colonial actions of New Zealand in the Pacific and processes of decolonisation in the Pacific. She also has research interests in Pacific pedagogies and teaching and learning.

Sam Manuela, University of Auckland

Dr Sam Manuela (Cook Island/Pākehā; he/him) is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology, The University of Auckland. His research focuses on Pacific identities, wellbeing, mental health, and Pacific psychological praxis. He has further interests in Pacific pedagogies in psychology education, and social psychology. Sam is currently leading projects investigating mental health in the Cook Islands, and how Pacific psychologists in Aotearoa integrate their cultural values in their daily practice and research.

Sisikula Sisifa, University of Auckland

Dr Sisikula Sisifa (Tonga; she/her) is a Professional Teaching Fellow in the Department of Management and International Business at the Business School, University of Auckland. Her research expertise and interest include aid and development, global value chains, corporate governance, and project management.