Pacific academics expected to do extra “cultural labour”

Publicly released:
New Zealand; Pacific

Pacific researchers at the University of Auckland have reported feeling pressure to take on extra tasks - “cultural labour” - to support Pacific students. They say this unrecognised work is done on top of heavy workloads. Talanoa - inclusive dialogue - with Pacific early career academics has pinpointed various challenges including isolation, a lack of early exposure to academia, and systemic tensions. At the same time, important strengths were highlighted: Pacific values and connections, support from Pacific colleagues, and support from institutions.

This paper is part of a special issue of the Journal of New Zealand Studies, which argues that Pasifika underrepresentation in academia - currently making up just 1.4 per cent of permanent university positions - is due to structural reasons, not a lack of researchers. The special issue draws together perspectives from NZ-based Pasifika researchers with scholars based in the United States and Australia.

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Research Victoria University of Wellington, Web page Link to the journal's special issue - all full papers
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conference:
Journal of New Zealand Studies
Organisation/s: University of Auckland, University of Waikato, AUT University, Full list of contributor affiliations available on request.
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