Associate Professor Siautu Alefaio-Tugia staff profile picture

Contact details +6492136440

Associate Professor Siautu Alefaio-Tugia

Associate Professor

School of Psychology

Professional

Contact details

  • Ph: 43440
    Location: 3.28, Level 3 of the North Shore Library Building (Albany Village)
    Campus: Albany

Research Expertise

Keywords

Fa'aSamoa and psychology,SamoanPsyche and Identity development

Cultural-historical/Cultural Psychology, Pacific human development - motivation and performance

Pacific forensic therapeutic rehabilitation - violent offending

Pacific Indigenous approach to Post-Disaster psychosocial support

Research Projects

Summary of Research Projects

Position Current Completed
Project Leader 5 6

Current Projects

Project Title: Rutherford Discovery Fellowship - Redefining the humanitarian landscape: pacific-diasporic disaster resilience

Date Range: 2021 - 2026

Funding Body: Royal Society of New Zealand

Project Team:

Project Title: Caring for our wisdom bearers: Pacific Matua (Elder) Care

Date Range: 2018 - 2021

Funding Body: Health Research Council of New Zealand

Project Team:

Project Title: HRC - Indigenous approaches to family restoration and wellbeing - Sesimani Havea

Date Range: 2017 - 2022

Funding Body: Health Research Council of New Zealand

Project Team:

Completed Projects

Project Title: Curbing the tide of violence! Exploring a Pacific psychological faith-quotient

Date Range: 2017 - 2019

Funding Body: Health Research Council of New Zealand

Project Team:

Research Outputs

Journal

Haar, J., Carr, SC., Arrowsmith, J., Parker, J., Hodgetts, D., & Alefaio-Tugia, S. (2018). Escape from working poverty: Steps toward sustainable livelihood. Sustainability (Switzerland). 10(11)
[Journal article]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S., Arrowsmith, J., Carr, S., Hodgetts, D., Parker, J.
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7
Chilvers, BL., Bortolotto, MC., Alefaio-Tugia, S., Cooper, AL., & Ellison, S. (2018). The reality of ‘middle’ management roles: a case study of the Associate Head of School experience in a New Zealand University. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management. 40(5), 430-441
[Journal article]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S., Bortolotto, M., Chilvers, B., Cooper, A.
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4
4
Carr, SC., Maleka, M., Meyer, I., Barry, ML., Haar, J., Parker, J., . . . Naithani, A. (2018). How can wages sustain a living? By getting ahead of the curve. Sustainability Science. 13(4), 901-917
[Journal article]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S., Arrowsmith, J., Carr, S., Hodgetts, D., Jones, H., Parker, J.
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6
Alefaio - Tugia, S., Carr, SC., Hodgetts, D., Mattson, T., & van Ommen, C. (2015). Ending poverty and inequality? Toward psychologies of sustainable development. Psychology Aotearoa. 7(1), 32-37 Retrieved from http://www.psychology.org.nz/
[Journal article]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S., Carr, S., Hodgetts, D., Van Ommen, C.
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Morgan, M., Coombes, L., & Alefaio-Tugia, S. (2013). Pasifikology1. News from psychologies’ margins in Aotearoa/New Zealand: An interview with Siautu Alefaio-Tugia. Critical Psychology in a Changing World II. ARCP 10(Building Bridges and Expanding the Dialogue), 35-49 Retrieved from https://discourseunit.com/annual-review/10-2013/
[Journal article]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.

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Alefaio, S., Satele, M., Kingi, D., Faleafa, M., Brown, T., Aoina, A., . . . Olo-Whaanga, E. (2010). Pasifikology. Psychology Aotearoa. 2(1), 39-41 Retrieved from http://www.psychology.org.nz/
[Journal article]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
Alefaio, S. (2009). Reflections of a practitioner: Purely a journey of the heart. Pacific Health Dialog: Journal of Community Health and Clinical Medicine for the Pacific. 15(1), 171-176 Retrieved from http://www.pacifichrc.org/archive.asp
[Journal article]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.

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Book

Alefaio-Tugia, S., Afeaki-Mafile'o, E., & Satele, P. (2019). Pacific-indigenous communityvillage resilience in disasters. In Pacific Social Work: Navigating Practice, Policy and Research. (pp. 68 - 78).
[Chapter]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Alefaio, S. (2018). Samoan-indigenous psychology. In WW. Li, D. Hodgetts, & KH. Foo (Eds.) Asia-Pacific Perspectives on Intercultural Psychology.
[Chapter]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Nikora, LW., Masters-Awatere, B., Rua, M., Hopner, V., Alefaio-Tugia, S., Stewart, M., . . . Carr, SC. (2017). Indigenized internationalization: Developments and lessons from two Aotearoa/New Zealand universities. In GJ. Rich, UP. Gielen, & H. Takooshian (Eds.) Internationalizing the teaching of psychology: A volume in: Advances in cultural psychology: Constructing human development. (pp. 129 - 142). Charlotte, NC, United States of America: Information Age Publishing Inc.
[Chapter]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S., Carr, S., Hodgetts, D., Hopner, V., King, P.
Waimarie Nikora, L., Masters-Awatere, B., Rua, M., Hopner, V., Alefaio-Tugia, S., Stewart, L., . . . Carr, SC. (2017). Indigenized internationalization: Developments and lessons from two Aotearoa/New Zealand universities. In U. Gielen, GJ. Rich, & H. Takooshian (Eds.) Internationalizing the Teaching of Psychology. (pp. 129 - 129). Charlotte, North Carolina: Information Age Publishing
[Chapter]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.Contributed to by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Alefaio, S. (2007). Supporting the wellbeing of Pasifika youth. In P. Culbertson, MN. Agee, & CO. Makasiale (Eds.) Penina Uliuli. (pp. 5 - 15). Honolulu, Hawai'i, United States of America: University of Hawai'i Press
[Chapter]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.

Conference

Alefaio-Tugia, S. (2019, June). Pacific-indigenous psychology – NIU1 approaches re-informing applied psychological practices. Presented at University of South Pacific School of Social Sciences Talana Seminar Series by Visiting Scholars. School of Social Sciences, University of the South Pacific, FIJI.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.Contributed to by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Alefaio-Tugia, S.(2018, May). TALANOA-HUBBS (Humans United Beyond Borders Symposium) - Tonga series. .
[Conference]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Alefaio-Tugia, S. (2018, August). Coconut-wireless mobilisation during Cyclone Gita: Pacific-Indigenous disaster preparedness, risk Resilience, and management. Presented at 2018 PRiMO Conference: Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction. Honolulu, Hawaii.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
Alefaio, S.(2018, October). Keynote address: NIU-songs in a New-land. .
[Conference]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Alefaio-Tugia, S.(2017, August). Pacific Institute Talanoa-HUBBS Series. .
[Conference]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Alefaio-Tugia, S. (2017, August). Pacific in Psychology featuring the Journal for Pacific Rim Psychology (JPRP) "indigenous perspectives" special issues. Presented at Asian Association of Social Psychology Conference 2017. Auckland, Massey University.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Alefaio-Tugia, S. (2016, April). Pacific-indigenous approaches in applied psychological contexts of disaster risk resilience and humanitarian response. Presented at Beijing Normal University (BNU) Research Seminar Series. BNU School of Psychology, Beijing CHINA.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Alefaio-Tugia, S. (2016, April). Pacific indigenous approaches in applied psychological contexts of disaster risk resilience and humanitarian response. Presented at Beijing Normal University (BNU) School of Psychology Research Seminar Series. Beijing, China.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Alefaio-Tugia, S., & Havea, S. (2016, June). Faith matters: Formative evaluation of pacific faith-based initiatives. Presented at Pasefika Proud Nationa Fono - Pacific Community Leaders. Waipuna Lodge, Auckland.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Alefaio-Tugia, S., & Fleer, M.Pacific Postgraduate Seminar Day with Critical Friend Professor Marilyn Fleer. . School of Psychology Board Room - Massey University Albany, New Zealand
[Conference Other]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Alefaio-Tugia, S. (2014, August). Indigenous approaches to Disaster Risk Reduction. Presented at United Nations Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States. Faleata Sports Complex, Apia SAMOA.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.Contributed to by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Alefaio-Tugia, S., Tamasese Efi, TAT., Anandale, TJ., Lefale, P., & Meo-Sewambu, L.Indigenous approaches to disaster risk reduction. . Samoa
[Conference Other]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.Contributed to by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Alefaio-Tugia, S.Demystifying the 'violent' Samoan warrior. . Palmerston North
[Conference Other]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Alefaio-Tugia, S.(2014, September). Niu-psychology from the shores of Polynesia. ISCAR 2014 Abstracts.
[Conference]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Alefaio-Tugia, S. (2012, April). Saili Matagi: Winds of change in offender rehabilitation. Presented at Growing Pacific Solutions (GPS) Le Va National Fono 2012. Waipuna, Auckland.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
Alefaio-Tugia, S. (2011, August). Galuega toe Fuata'ina (A Reviving work): Samoa Tsunami response. Presented at Pacific Platform for Disaster Risk Management. Holiday Inn - Auckland.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Alefaio - Tugia, S. (2009, July). Using Pacific Nations Cultural Principles as psychological tools for healing in the rehabilitation of violent offenders. Presented at Kaveinga Ora - The future is in our hands. Cook Islands.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
Alefaio - Tugia, S.(2009, July). Using Pacific Nations Cultural Principles as psychological tools for heaing in the rehabilitation of violent offenders. .
[Conference]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
Alefaio, S. (2009, August). Saili Matagi: The redevelopment of a cultural intervention for male violent offenders from the Pacific. Presented at The New Zealand Psychological Society Annual Conference 2009: Conflict ... Process ... Resolution: Pāpa ... Mahi ... Ratanga. Palmerston North Convention Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
Alefaio, S. (2011, August). Galuega Toe Fuata'ina (A reviving work): Samoa tsunami response. Presented at 3rd Session of the Pacific Platform for Disaster Risk Management. Auckland, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
Alefaio, S. (2011, August). Galuega toe Fuata'ina: Samoa post-tsunami recovery. Presented at New Zealand Psychological Society Annual Conference 2011: Peoples, places, paradigms: Growing and changing: Hāpori, Wāhi, Anga Tauira: Rere ā Tipunga. Queenstown, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Evans, I., & Alefaio, S. (2011). Cultural competence in the internship: What parts are really training?. In New Zealand Psychological Society Annual Conference 2011: Peoples, places, paradigms: Growing and changing: Hāpori, Wāhi, Anga Tauira: Rere ā Tipunga(pp. 39 - 40). , New Zealand Psychological Society Annual Conference 2011: Peoples, places, paradigms: Growing and changing: Hāpori, Wāhi, Anga Tauira: Rere ā Tipunga New Zealand: The New Zealand Psychological Society
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Alefaio, S.(2011, July 4). Galuola: A niu-wave for informing psychology from Samoa cultural knowledge systems. , Samoa Conference II: "Tracing footprints of tomorrow: Past lessons, present stories, future lives"
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
Alefaio, S. (2009, August). A cultural perspective on training postgraduate students for general practice. Presented at The New Zealand Psychological Society Annual Conference 2009: Conflict ... Process ... Resolution: Pāpa ... Mahi ... Ratanga. Palmerston North Convention Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
Alefaio, S., & Ngaro, M. (2009, July). Using Pacific nations cultural principles as psychological tools for healing in the rehabilitation of violent offenders. Presented at Kaveinga Ora - The future is in our hands: Cook Islands Health Conference. Cook Islands.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
Alefaio, S. (2008). A nui wave encountering Psychology from the shores of the Pacific. In M. Levy, LW. Nikora, B. Masters-Awatere, MR. Rua, & W. Waitoki (Eds.) "Claiming Spaces": Proceedings of the 2007 National Maori and Pacific Psychologies Symposium. (pp. 105 - 110). Hamilton, New Zealand: 2007 National Maori and Pacific Psychologies Symposium: "Claiming Spaces"
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Brown, T., Olo-Whaanga, E., & Alefaio, S. (2007, November). Charting a course for the journey of pacific in psychology. Presented at 2007 National Maori & Pacific Psychologies Symposium: "Claiming Spaces". Hamilton, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
Alefaio, S. (2006, September). Pasifika well-being. Presented at 2006 Joint Conference of the APS and NZPsS: Psychology bridging the Tasman: Science, culture and practice. Auckland, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Other

Ryan, J. (2017). Letter of Acknowledgement - Department of Corrections.
[Other]Contributed to by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Alefaio-Tugia, S. (2017, August). Pacific indigenous disaster response. Presented at Apia, Samoa.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Alefaio - Tugia, S. (2017). Saili Matagi: The redevelopment of a cultural intervention for Pacific male violent offenders.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Alefaio-Tugia, S. (2015). Awarded Brown International Advanced Research Institute (BIARI) Fellowship.
[Other]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
Alefaio-Tugia, S. (2015, September). Niu Psychology: Galuola. In Pacific Postgraduate Talanoa - BRCSS.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.

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Alefaio, S. (2011, May). Galuola: A niu (new) wave (way) for informing psychology from the cultural context of FaaSamoa.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
Alefaio, S.Mainstream western physiological approaches to counseling and rehabilitation do not work for cultures such as that of Pacific peoples.
[Other]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.

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Thesis

Alefaio-Tugia, S. (2015). Galuola: a NIU way for informing psychology from the cultural context of Fa'aSamoa. (Doctoral Thesis)
[Doctoral Thesis]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Report

Alefaio-Tugia, S., & Havea, S. (2016). Formative evaluation of Pacific faith-based family violence services. ( Report No. 1). Pasefika Proud.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Alefaio-Tugia, S.
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Consultancy and Languages

Consultancy

  • 2006-2011 - Counties Manukau Police
    Member, Pacific Advisory Group
  • 2008-2012 - Department of Corrections
    Facilitator training and Cultural Supervision

Languages

  • Samoan
    Last used: everyday
    Spoken ability: Excellent
    Written ability: Excellent

Teaching and Supervision

Courses Coordinated

  • 230.102 Pacific Peoples in New Zealand
Contact Supervisor

Summary of Doctoral Supervision

Position Current Completed
Main Supervisor 3 0
Co-supervisor 1 0

Current Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • Taulaga Auva'A-Alatimu - Doctor of Philosophy
    Improving Pacific youth mental health wellbeing: examination of needs, co-creation & evaluation of a digital support tool
  • Hulita Tauveli - Doctor of Philosophy
    Faith to bounce back: Pacific youths' wellbeing and resilience
  • Rochelle Nafatali - Doctor of Clinical Psychology
    Towards an understanding of the lived experiences, and of language and culture transfer, within Pacific-Indigenous Autism families in Aotearoa New Zealand

Co-supervisor of:

  • Sesimani Havea - Doctor of Philosophy
    Indigenous approaches to kainga (family) restoration and wellbeing

Media and Links

Media

  • 23 Oct 2015 - Newspaper, Online
    Domestic violence within Pasifika community drops
    Commentary in the dominion post on the New Zealand Crime and Safety Survey (NZCASS)