Annotated Bibliography of New Zealand Literature on Migrant and Refugee Youth
NEW RESEARCH METHODS
An important development in recent years in Pacific research in New Zealand has been the emergence of a conversation among researchers about methods and methodology. Anae et al. (2001 [R2]) summarise the direction of this discussion well when referring to Pasifika education research, observing that research methods are needed that will:
'(i) Assist the production of high quality research that acknowledges the cultural context of Pacific communities;
(ii) encourage a Pasifika development focus to research;
(iii) support appropriate and useful consultation and feedback to research participants and Pasifika communities;
(iv) assist with growing the pool of Pacific education researchers.'
A number of Pacific researchers have engaged in this discussion and have pursued, and reflected critically on, research methods that respond to these issues (see for example, Anae, 1998 [R1], Mara 1999 [R3], Petelo 2003 [R4], Silipa 2004 [R5], Suaalii and Mavoa 2001 [R6], Tupuola 1999 [R7] and Vaioleti 2006 [R8]).
Key themes in this discussion include the importance of increasing the pool of Pacific researchers and of recognising diversity both among Pacific cultures and within these cultures (e.g. in terms of their island born and New Zealand born members). A short section at the end of the bibliography includes work on these methodological developments.
While much of this work is taking place among Pacific researchers, it seems possible that similar discussions will emerge among other migrant communities as the pool of researchers from these communities grows.
