Talanoa: Pushing Boundaries to Promote Pacific Ways of Being in Aotearoa New Zealand Tertiary Education

Abstract

The survival of Pacific societies is partly attributed to the ability of Pacific ancestors to transmit stories from generation to generation through myths and legends, stories of creation, songs, oratory, art and natural environments. This paper explores the importance of the practice of Talanoa as a concept and a research tool in promoting Pacific knowledge systems and practices in tertiary education in Aotearoa New Zealand. Talanoa was utilised as the primary research method to gather narratives about how Talanoa is incorporated, from Pacific staff in various roles in tertiary education in a culturally safe and relevant way, both face to face and online. The author also conducted an online survey to gather information about how or whether Talanoa is used widely by Pacific staff in an Aotearoa New Zealand tertiary institution, Unitec New Zealand Limited, before it transitioned fully into the national institute, Te Pūkenga. The research analysed existing literature to ensure that it adds value to this repertoire of knowledge and research. The significance of recognising and acknowledging Pacific oral traditions will add value to and enhance Pacific ways of knowing and engagement in any context. The outcome of this study supports the inclusion of Talanoa as a tool that can be used successfully in tertiary education.