4 Nov 2013

Pacific conference in NZ to use talanoa as a research method

6:26 am on 4 November 2013

The University of Waikato in New Zealand will host a day-long research conference to tackle big issues facing the Pacific, and use talanoa as a research methodology to do it.

The organiser of the inaugural Kiwa's Colloquium, Lora Vaioleti, says the conference will focus on three main issues: climate change, higher education and work in the Pacific.

Ms Vaioleti says talanoa is the everyday use of open and inclusive communication, which allows people to tell their stories and incorporate emotion and spirituality.

She says as a research method, it is a new concept.

"Talanoa allows for the co-production of knowledge. Talanoa is founded on deeply ingrained Pacific values and therefore it is easily recognisable, and is seen as an acceptable and culturally safe way to engage with Pacific people in research."

Lora Vaioleti says one of the experts on the methodology, Dr Timote Vaioleti, will run a talanoa training workshop at the conference.

She says an artist will spend the day creating an artwork exploring the concept of talanoa.

Registrations for the symposium on November 12 are still open.