Event Details

Existing Pacific Islands research in New Zealand has small numbers of Cook Islands descent participants and generally present the views of the majority Pacific ethnicity represented in the study. This overshadows insights from smaller ethnic nations – Cook Islands women are a minority group amongst minority communities.

This study addresses this phenomenon by placing the voices of Cook Islands women front and centre. Using the Cook Islands research methodology, Tivaevae, this study investigates the strategies Cook Islands women used to successfully progress their careers in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Tivaevae is a bedspread-sized cloth or quilt traditionally handmade by Cook Islands women, and generally depicts stories of natural fauna and flora found in the Cook Islands. As a research methodology, the Tivaevae ensures each stage of the research process maintains the values of Pacific cultures and presents Pacific views appropriately. The process of making the tivaevae can be replicated into four broad stages of the research design of a Cook Islands study (Futter-Puati & Maua Hodges, 2018):

  1. ‘Akapapa: which means planning the patterns, stiches, fabric, colours and timing for the tivaevae. Or in other words planned research activities.
  2. ‘Akauru: having speciality knowledge and skills to collaborate with others, or data collection
  3. Paokti: to cut patterns, analyse and interpret designs for the tivaevae, or to analyse data,
  1. 4. O’ora: presenting the cloth or quilt for all to see or presenting findings and the final research report

Evangeleen will share key insights from her study.

Presenter Bio: Evangeleen Joseph


Evangeleen Joseph is a Cook Islands New Zealand-born and South Auckland raised woman. With over 7 years’ experience of elevating Pacific Islands peoples’ career prospects, she has a sound understanding of Aotearoa’s qualification framework, vocational education and career pathways. As a Pacific Lead for The Skills Consulting Group, she provides advice on employment and educational achievements to promote positive social outcomes and wellbeing in Aotearoa. A recent Master of Business graduate of Auckland University of Technology, she has published her dissertation: Journeys of growth: How have Cook Islands women overcome challenges to career progression in New Zealand.

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