Reimagining South Pacific tourism post-pandemic
Seeking sustainable, self-determined development
This research is being conducted by a team of researchers from Massey University who have significant experience researching tourism among Pacific and Māori communities:
Dr. Apisalome Movono
Api’s research focuses on tourism’s social and economic impacts on Indigenous Fijian communities. He joined us at Massey University at the start of 2020 after around 10 years serving in various positions at the University of the South Pacific (USP), with a little ‘time out’ to complete his Ph.D. at Griffith University. His Ph.D. research drew on postmodernist techniques and sought to improve our understanding of resilience, sustainable livelihoods, climate change and tourism development amongst Indigenous Fijian communities. In 2020, he joined the Development Studies team at Massey University, New Zealand, as a Senior Lecturer.
Prof. Regina Scheyvens
Regina has worked in development studies at Massey University for over 20 years. Her research focuses on the relationship between tourism, sustainable development and poverty reduction, in places such as Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, the Maldives and in Southern Africa. She is also very interested in gender and development, sustainable livelihood options for small island states, and in theories of empowerment for marginalised peoples. Her recent collaborative projects have explored economic development on customary land in the Pacific, links between tourism and the SDGs, and links between corporate social responsibility and development in the Pacific. Regina’s work is supported by a James Cook Research Fellowship from Government funding, administered by Royal Society Te Apārangi
Dr. Jason Mika
Dr Jason Paul Mika is a descendant of the Ngāi Tūhoe, Whakatōhea, Ngāti Awa and Ngāti Kahungunu tribes of Aotearoa New Zealand. Dr Mika is a senior lecturer and codirector of Te Au Rangahau, the Māori Business & Leadership Research. Dr Mika's research interests include Indigenous entrepreneurship, management and methodologies.
Research associates
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Leilani Faaiuaso
Leilani Faaiuaso is a proud Samoan from the villages of Luatuanu'u, Salelologa, Leulumoega and Faatoia. She is currently studying for a double degree - Bachelor of Business (Management) / Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) at Massey University Manawatū campus. Leilani is heavily involved in the enterprise spaces holding multiple leadership roles. Through these roles, she carries her passion for leadership and creating positive change. Leilani hopes to continue to give back to her communities and create platforms that enable sustainable growth for future Pasifika.
