Kia tupuolaola e moui he Tagata Niue: Navigating health, wellbeing and digital spaces

Abstract

Achieving equitable health and wellbeing outcomes for Niue communities includes acknowledging the intrinsic influences of familial, cultural, physical, emotional, spiritual, generational, and contextual elements. Consistent with broader sociocultural changes, the value of technology, in particular mobile phones, has evolved to be widely considered an important conduit for maintaining relationships and social connections, positively influencing one’s wellbeing. Understanding how health and wellbeing is understood, navigated, and negotiated in an in-person and digital space for Niue communities is necessary. This research centres on Tagata Niue (Niue people) living in Auckland, Aotearoa, New Zealand. The aim of the research was to understand how health and wellbeing is conceptualised among Niue communities, and the interface and value of mobile phones to improving health and wellbeing. This research was underpinned by a Niue qualitative inquiry grounded within Niue aga fakamotu (Niue way of life, values, and cultural beliefs). An emerging Hihi framework is introduced alongside vahāloto (the space between), and tutala (a Niue method of conversation), reinforcing the importance of embedding culturally grounded approaches for Tagata Niue. A conceptual framework encapsulating the relationship between three key elements; (1) health and wellbeing, (2) tutala, and (3) digital skills; was used to guide the thesis objectives. Central to the framework is the concept of vahāloto, and how this was restored, maintained, and sustained for Tagata Niue involved in this research. Key findings from this thesis emphasises health and wellbeing remain holistic for Tagata Niue. Importantly, in the absence of physical interactions during COVID-19, the digital vā (relational space) become an acceptable space to negotiate and navigate social relationships and connection for Tagata Niue, which had a positive influence on their vahāloto. Being equipped with the right digital skills and having intergenerational support within their fale (home) was key. The findings have important implications for the health and social services sector to ensure the health, wellbeing, vahāloto and digital inclusion (skills and access) needs of Niue and Pacific communities facilitates meaningful change, and health and social inequities are not reinscribed onto the digital health landscape.