Researchers make their mark at global island studies conference
In Brief:
- Six MIT and Unitec kaimahi ‘staff’ delivered their indigenous-led research via online presentation for the 2026 Island Studies International Conference (ISIC), held in Tacloban City, Philippines.
- Lecturer Venusi Taumoepeau received one of the conference’s main awards for his presentation on a Pacific-centred creative framework which has informed national health, education and public communication campaigns.
- MIT and Unitec researchers are encouraged to share their research with the international island studies community at the next event being hosted in Aotearoa New Zealand next year.
Our Indigenous-led research has been recognised on the world stage with one of our team receiving a prestigious award at an international conference in the Philippines.
Six kaimahi delivered seven presentations at the Island Studies International Conference (ISIC), held recently in Tacloban City, showcasing research that advances indigenous knowledge, cultural identity, leadership and regenerative futures for island communities.
A standout achievement was Lecturer – Pacific Academic Development Venusi Taumoepeau, who received one of only three New Voices in Island Studies Awards for his presentation, Letting Culture Lead the Wave: Peau as a Pacific Creative Process.
His award-winning presentation introduced Peau (meaning “wave”), a Pacific-centred creative framework that draws on storytelling, collective knowledge and lived experience to shape culturally responsive communication, education and public engagement.
Developed through work with Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Peau framework has informed national health, education and public communication campaigns while strengthening cultural connection and representation for Pacific peoples across the diaspora.
The award recognised the originality and impact of a creative process that places Pacific culture at the centre of communication and learning, offering an innovative model for engaging and empowering Pacific communities while strengthening cultural identity across the Pacific.
“It was wonderful to see MIT and Unitec making a significant contribution to the Island Studies International Conference through seven presentations and conference leadership that explored island futures through heritage, communication, language revitalisation, leadership, education, identity and resilience,” says Research Ethics Administrator, Tuapapa Rangahau Dr Evangelia Papoutsaki, who also served as a co-convenor of ISIC 2026.
Research Ethics Administrator, Tuapapa Rangahau Dr Evangelia Papoutsaki was a co-convenor and presenter at ISIC 2026.
“Our researchers, with strong representation from our Pacific Centre, shared diverse perspectives that demonstrated the strength of interdisciplinary and community-engaged island scholarship, while offering valuable insights into the needs of Pacific diasporas in Aotearoa.”
The conference, hosted by the Small Island Cultures Research Initiative (SICRI) in partnership with the University of the Philippines, brought together researchers, policymakers, cultural practitioners and island communities from around the world to explore this year’s theme, “Navigating Island Futures: Intersections of Heritage, Transitions, and Regenerative Practices.”
Venusi says presenting alongside fellow members of the Pacific Research Fono (PRF) highlighted the strength of our Pacific research collaboration.
“Attending an international conference alongside five fellow Pacific Research Fono members and sharing our work on a global stage was a genuine privilege. The PRF consistently achieves remarkable outcomes through commitment, collaboration and the strength of its network,” he explains.
“The PRF has enabled numerous research outputs, supported researchers across the institution and organised multiple symposiums. It not only strengthens Pacific scholarship but also creates opportunities that benefit the wider institution.”
MIT and Unitec researchers presented across a wide range of topics demonstrating the breadth of indigenous-focused research taking place across the institution.
Senior Lecturer Ioane Aleke Fa’avae examined the revitalisation of Vagahau Niue through tertiary education, highlighting the important role higher education plays in strengthening endangered Pacific languages and cultural identity.
Research and Administration Lead (Ngā Wai a Te Tūī) Aki Hafoka-Te’evale shared research exploring how Samoan bilingual and immersion education shapes identity among New Zealand-born Samoans, reinforcing the enduring importance of language for cultural continuity.
Interim Manager Pacific Success Daisy Bentley-Gray presented research examining Samoan women’s leadership and its influence on policymaking, contributing valuable insights into Pacific leadership, governance and equitable outcomes.
Academic Advisor (Te Puna Ako) Maria Rosario Iguin explored how the Filipino diaspora in Aotearoa New Zealand maintains heritage language and multilingual identities, highlighting language as a vital connection to culture and belonging.
Dr Papoutsaki also co-chaired a panel on island heritage and co-presented research examining the relationship between UNESCO heritage frameworks and local island narratives. She also introduced a new methodological framework for understanding how communication, storytelling and everyday interactions sustain island communities.
Together, the presentations reinforced our organisation’s commitment to internationally connected, community-engaged research grounded in indigenous perspectives, while strengthening partnerships and global knowledge exchange.
“Congratulations to all our presenters for showcasing research that contributes to more resilient, inclusive and regenerative island futures,” Dr Papoutsaki says.
The international collaboration will continue to grow, with the 2027 Island Studies International Conference set to be hosted in New Zealand by the Pacific Arts Collective, placing an even greater spotlight on Pacific Islands, Indigenous knowledge and the experiences of Pacific diasporas.
As SICRI Convenor, Dr Papoutsaki is encouraging our researchers to contribute to next year’s global conversation by sharing their research with the international island studies community.
(L-R) Venusi Taumoepeau, Aki Hafoka-Teevale, Rosario Iguin, Dr Evangelia Papoutsaki, Sooalo Daisy Bentley-Gray and Ioane Aleke Faavae presented their research at the 2026 Island Studies International Conference (ISIC), in Tacloban City, The Philippines.
