Complex, nuanced, and devastating, the impacts of climate change are being felt on levels never experienced before in human history. Whilst many parts of the world are slowly, yet painfully becoming more exposed and familiar to the harmful and ever more destructive realities of the climate crisis, Pacific peoples and their communities have continued to be at the forefront of this global issue. Although much research has investigated the impact of climate change on Pacific Island nations, there is a lack of research that considers the multifaceted and intersectional lived experiences and voices of Pacific peoples and their navigation of the climate emergency, specifically within climate change spaces throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. This research aimed to explore the lived experiences of Pacific peoples in climate spaces within Aotearoa New Zealand and sought to identify the challenges Pacific peoples face whilst navigating these spaces. In doing so, this research sought to address such challenges by suggesting potential ways forward that can be implemented to aid the amplification and safety of Pacific peoples and their communities.

An intersectional postcolonial approach was employed which provided a lens in which systemic and institutional oppression, marginalisation, and discrimination could be identified and understood. It is through the analysis of power dynamics and roles within climate spaces and discussions that we revealed the significance of decentring whiteness, dismantling of Eurocentrism, and colonial domination within such climate spaces. The following research involved ten Pacific participants throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. Guiding the research was the implementation of the Cook Island ‘Tivaevae Methodology’. The ‘akaruru (data collection) method carried out was an interweaving of semi-structured interviews, participant-observations, and talanoa. Stitched throughout the key stages of Tivaevae were five core values of the tivaevae model: taokotai (collaboration), tu akangateitei (respect), uriuri kite (reciprocity), tu inangaro (relationships), and akairi kite (shared vision). These values laid the foundation for how this research was carried out, centering the prosperity and wellbeing of those involved in this research and nurturing the vā between us.

The key findings indicated that Pacific peoples and their community’s experiences of climate change spaces and discussions within Aotearoa New Zealand are dynamic, multifaceted, and complex. The talanoa sessions revealed that some Pacific peoples face various forms of discrimination and challenges within these spaces, with varying degrees of hardships brought about by oppressive systems and institutions upheld within Aotearoa New Zealand, which in turn negatively impacts their current livelihoods and futures. Informed by the lived experiences and perspectives shared by the participants involved, this research emphasises the imperative need for Pacific voices to be centred and amplified within climate change spaces and discussion. Furthermore, possible ways forward involve the decolonisation and indigenisation of systems and institutions that directly influence and impact climate spaces and beyond. Ways forward must be led by Pacific people and their communities to ensure the protection of their mana, safety, and future generations.