HOMECURRENT STUDENTSSTAFFLIBRARYALUMNINEWS & EVENTSSHOPDONATE
Discover Avondale University

Tracie

Mafile'o

Position: Associate Dean of Research & Research Training
ORCiD: 0000-0002-5969-9915 →
Email: tracie.mafile'[email protected]

Biography

Career

Projects & Grants

Supervision

Outputs

Activity

Professor Tracie Mafile’o is an interdisiplinary social researcher who has led community-engaged research and teams across Oceania. Her research has extended Pacific social work and social development scholarship. Prof Mafile’o is a registered social worker in New Zealand, with a career spanning practice, higher education and research in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Australia. She has been given the distinction of being a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Previously, Prof Mafile'o was the inaugural Director of Research and Postgraduate Studies, and then the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, at Pacific Adventist University in PNG. She was also previously an Associate Professor in social work and the Associate Dean Pacific for the College of Health, Massey University, New Zealand.

Her research, international speaking and publications have addressed a range of topics, including Pacific social work, cultural humility and capabilities of the children’s workforce, climate mobility and family stories in the Pacific, Adventist families in Australia, ministry grit, youth development and resilience, HIV prevention in PNG, and Pacific elders in New Zealand.


Awards & achievements

2026
Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Pacific and tertiary education
New Zealand Order of Merit
Best Abstract
Australia New Zealand Social Work and Welfare Education and Research
Trans-Tasman Collaboration Award to Dr Tracie Mafileo and Assoc Prof jioji Ravulo
ANZSWWER

Professional associations

1999 - 
Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers
Member
2011 - 2014
Papua New Guinea Institute of Directors
Member
2012 - 2014
Association for Tertiary Education Management
Member
2018 - 2022
International Association of Community Development
Member

Expertise

social work, social services, community development, international development, Pacific studies, qualitative methods, Pacific-indigenous methods, cultural humility, story-based and arts-based methods, climate mobility, youth development and wellbeing, resilience

Education

Bachelor of Social Work (Hons - 1st class)
Massey University
Postgrad Cert
Massey University
PhD
Massey University
Our team, including members from across PNG, Fiji, Australia and New Zealand, is implementing a global church member survey in the South Pacific with around 2000 participants. The survey will be administered online and in paper form, in 10 different languages of the Pacific region. The results will inform church strategy.
Role:
Co-Principal Investigator
Funding Type:
SDA church entity sponsorship
This project explores how Pacific family stories, relationships and intergenerational knowledge strengthen resilience and heart health. Through talanoa, video resources and community workshops, the project will return this knowledge to Pacific families and health providers in culturally meaningful ways (Host Organisation - Mana Pacific Consultants).
Role:
Principal Investigator
Funding Type:
Competitive grant
Study exploring how ADRA Australia programming can strengthen its responsiveness to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Data collection carried out across Australia.
Role:
Lead Researcher
Funding Type:
SDA church entity sponsorship
Research exploring how to develop grit amongst pastoral ministers int eh NZ Pacific union mission of the church.
Role:
Lead Researcher
Funding Type:
SDA church entity sponsorship
Investigating the changing make up of Adventist families in Australia and how to better serve their needs. Research involved qualitative focus groups and interviews with Adventist parents, young people, pastors, and leaders, as well as analysis of census data.
Role:
Lead Researcher
Funding Type:
SDA church entity sponsorship
Research across 6 Pacific countries - Kiribati, PNG, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu - using Pacific-Indigenous and arts-based methods with 10 family groups.
Role:
Lead Researcher
Funding Type:
Competitive grant
Health & Disability Sector Leadership Capability Project: He Waka Eke Noa Consortium, NZ Ministry of Health. Mana Pacific Consultants Ltd collaborated with lead consultancy Francis Health, and other collaborators Kāhui Tautoko Consultancy, Sysdoc, All-Is-For-All.
Role:
Pacific lead researcher
Funding Type:
Competitive grant
Research focused on good practices used to engage communities in health services research in neglected tropical diseases in low and middle income countries of South-East Asia and the Pacific, WHO/TDR Contract offer No. 2021/1130550-0. A collaborative network from three institutions (IMU, JCU, MU), led by International Medical University (IMU) in Malaysia. My role was to develop mini-modules on community engaged health research to address tropical diseases.
Role:
Investigator
Funding Type:
Partnership
This project evaluated a national work-readiness and skills initiative for young people who are hard to reach and most at risk of long-term unemployment. Mana Pacific Consultants Ltd collaborated with Weaving Insights and lead consultancy Standard of Proof.
Role:
Evaluator
Funding Type:
Competitive grant
Collaborative project with Jean Mitaera, Whitireia Polytech, Selina Ledoux, Fatu Consultancy and Silou Temoana, Oamaru Pacific Island Trust. Funded by NZ Oranga Tamariki Ministry for Children. Involved fieldwork across sites in NZ.
Role:
Lead Researcher
Funding Type:
Competitive grant
Led by Prof Siautu Alefaio-Tugia, with Assoc Prof Sione Vaka the other investigator. Studu was funded by teh Health Reserach Council of New Zealand and examined Pacific elder care practices in families.
Role:
Investigator
Funding Type:
Competitive grant
Review undertaken for the Government of Tokelau, supported by the New Zealand government. Review undertaken against the DAC criteria, wiht fieldwork in Tokelau, Samoa and New Zealand.
Role:
Lead Researcher
Funding Type:
Competitive grant
Collaborative research involving social wok educators across four countries and eight institutions, initiated as part of Advancing Pacific Social Work project sponsored by the International Association of Schools of Social Work.
Role:
Investigator
Funding Type:
Non-funded project
Research project led by Dr Brigid Freeman, exploring higher education institutional policy in the United States, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Collaborative project with investigators from University of Melbourne, University of California (Berkley), Otago Polytechnic.
Role:
Investigator
Funding Type:
Non-funded project
Collaborative project led by Gendered Violence Research Network, University of New South Wales; funded by International Finance Corporation PO 7172765.
Role:
Investigator
Funding Type:
Competitive grant
Collaborative research project between James Cook University and Pacific Adventist University, funded by National AIDS Council Secretariat/AusAID
Role:
Investigator
Funding Type:
Competitive grant
Research project funded by AusAID, through the Pacific Leadership Programme
Role:
Lead Researcher
Funding Type:
Competitive grant

Supervision

Year Level Research title Institution Supervisor type
Current PhD (Psychology) Spirituality and Healthy Aging in Pacific Communities in New Zealand (Joseph Satele) Otago University Co-supervisor
Current PhD Kiribati Migration and Adaptive Discipleship: Examining the Adaptation of Kiribati Migrants in New Zealand and their Lessons towards Christian Discipleship (William Iererua) Avondale University Co-supervisor
Current PhD (Counselling Psychology) Counselling Psychology’s Role in Decolonizing Child Welfare Practices (Samara Wessel) Calgary University Co-supervisor
Current PhD (Public Health) Understanding healing in the context of grief for Tongan communities in Aotearoa New Zealand (Nalei Taufa) Massey University Primary/Co-supervisor
Completed Doctorate of Social Work Ululaau – the power of transformation to curb Samoan youth offending (Dr Jack Scanlan) Massey University Primary/Co-supervisor
Current PhD (Development Studies) Improved nutrition through vanua vekokolena (community empowerment) in Central Province, Papua New Guinea (Limu Vagi) Massey University Co-supervisor
Completed PhD (Nursing) Nursing care for people living with diabetes and associated conditions in Fiji: An iTaukei community context (Dr Akisi Ravono) Massey University Co-supervisor
Completed Doctorate of Clinical Psychology An explorative study on Pasifika students' wellbeing, experiences with feedback, coping, and protective factors at universities in Aoteaora New Zealand (Dr Shabeena Hussain) Massey University Co-supervisor

Journal articles

  • 2026
    Renau, D., Stanley-Clarke, N. & Mafile’o, T. (2026). Social workers and the neoliberal values of personal responsibility and self-sufficiency: Results of a NZ study. The British Journal of Social Work, bcag024. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcag024
    View in ACORA →
  • 2025
    Mafile’o, T., Alofa, P., Kauongo, T., Saguba, L., Steven, H., Filoa, A., … Hauma, T. P. (2025). ‘We do in the spirit of togetherness’: stories of collective resilience, wellbeing and climate (im)mobility in the Pacific. Climate and Development, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2025.2524421
    View in ACORA →
  • 2025
    Mafile’o, T. (2025). Climate special issue foreword: Indigenous resurgence amidst climate disruption. Journal of Indigenous Social Development, 13(1), i-vi https://doi.org/10.55016/ojs/jisd.v13i1
    Visit DOI →
  • 2024
    Mafile’o, T., Vaka, S., Leau, K., Satele, P., & Alefaio-Tugia, S. (2024). Decolonising qualitative analysis: Collectively weaving understanding using Talanoa and Fa’afaletui Pacific-Indigenous research methods. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 23, 16094069241272241. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069241272241
    View in ACORA →
  • 2024
    Ravono, A., Carryer, J., Stewart-Withers, R., & Mafile'o, T. (2024). Managing the tidal wave of diabetes: Barriers to effective management of the disease in Fiji. Asia-Pacific Sustainable Development Journal, 31(2), 205-224.
    View Publication →
  • 2023
    Crichton-Hill, Y., Mafile’o, T., & Veukiso-Ulugia, A. (2023). Resistance, reclaiming and reframing: Relationship-based Pacific social work practice. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 35(2), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol35iss2id1064
    Visit DOI →
  • 2023
    Renau, D., Stanley-Clarke, N., & Mafile’o, T. (2023). Social workers and their understanding of neoliberalism, advocacy, and othering. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 35(3), 44–57. Retrieved from https://anzswjournal.nz/anzsw/article/view/997
    View Publication →
  • 2022
    Mafile’o, T., Kokinai, CW., & Redman-MacLaren, M. (2022). We Story: Decoloniality in Practice and Theory. Cultural Studies - Critical Methodologies. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15327086221105666
    Visit DOI →
  • 2022
    Hay, K., & Mafile'o, T. (2022). Improving work-integrated learning experiences for Pacific students. International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning, 29(2), 279-294.
    View Publication →
  • 2019
    Mafile'o, T., & Crichton-Hill, Y. (2018). Pacific social work and its transformative capability. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 30(4), 1-4. https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol30iss4id604
    Visit DOI →
  • 2019
    Camaira, J., & Mafile'o, T. (2018). Noqu Vale: Community organisation professionals' views on what works and what needs to change for Pasifika housing. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 30(4), 70-83. doi:10.11157/anzswj-vol30iss4id614
    Visit DOI →
  • 2019
    Redman-MacLaren, M., Mafile'o, T., Tommbe, R., & MacLaren, D. (2019). Meeting in the middle: Using lingua franca in cross-language qualitative health research in Papua New Guinea. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 18. doi:10.1177/1609406919883459
    Visit DOI →
  • 2019
    Effective Social Work Education in Aotearoa New Zealand
    Visit DOI →
  • 2018
    Mafile'o, T., & Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2018) Indigenous social work across borders: Expanding social work in the South Pacific. International Social Work, 61(4), 537-552. doi: 10.1177/0020872816641750
    Visit DOI →
  • 2018
    Camaira, J., & Mafile'o, T. (2018). Noqu Vale: Community organisation professionals' views on what works and what needs to change for Pasifika housing. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 30(4), 70-83. doi:10.11157/anzswj-vol30iss4id614
    View Publication →
  • 2017
    Expanding the conversation: International Indigenous social workers' insights into the use of Indigenist knowledge and theory in practice
    View Publication →
  • 2017
    Mafile’o, T., & Walsh-Tapiata, W. (2007). Māori and Pasifika Indigenous Connections: Tensions and Possibilities. AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples, 3(2), 128-145. https://doi.org/10.1177/117718010700300209
    Visit DOI →
  • 2016
    Meeting in the Middle: Cross-Language Qualitative Health Research Using a Lingua Franca
    View Publication →
  • 2016
    Hameed, S., Breckenridge, J., Bennett, P., Mafileo, T., Simeon, L., & Steven, H. (2016) Local context matters: Developing good practice in workplace responses to family and sexual violence in Papua New Guinea. SAGE Open, 6(3), 1-13. doi: 10.1177/2158244016657142
    Visit DOI →
  • 2014
    Redman-MacLaren, M.L., Api, U., Darius, M., Tommbe, R., Mafile'o, T., & MacLaren, D.L (2014) Co-interviewing across gender and culture: Expanding qualitative research methods in Melanesia. BMC Public Health. 14, 922 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-922
    Visit DOI →
  • 2013
    Researching male circumcision for HIV prevention in Papua New Guinea: a process that incorporates science, faith and culture
    Visit DOI →
  • 2013
    Foreskin cutting beliefs and practices and the acceptability of male circumcision for HIV prevention in Papua New Guinea
    Visit DOI →
  • 2013
    Researching male circumcision for HIV prevention in Papua New Guinea: A process that incorporates science, faith and culture
    Visit DOI →
  • 2013
    Foreskin cutting beliefs and practices and the acceptability of male circumcision for HIV prevention in Papua New Guinea
    Visit DOI →
  • 2011
    'I WAS CIRCUMCISED IN MY UNCLE'S COCONUT PLANTATION': LOCATION AND TECHNIQUES OF PENILE CUTTING IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA
    View Publication →
  • 2011
    IMPLICATIONS OF MALE CIRCUMCISION FOR HIV PREVENTION IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA: POSSIBILITIES AND CHALLENGES
    View Publication →
  • 2011
    WILLING AND ABLE: TALKING ABOUT SEXUAL HEATH DURING MALE CIRCUMCISION RESEARCH IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA
    View Publication →
  • 2011
    'MY BROTHER TOLD ME THAT IT WAS FOR MY OWN GOOD'-REASONS FOR PENILE CUTTING IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA
    View Publication →
  • 2009
    Social Work with Indigenous Communities
    Visit DOI →
  • 2009
    Mafile'o, T., & Api, U. K. (2009). Understanding youth resilience in Papua New Guinea through life story. Qualitative Social Work: Research and Practice, 8(4), 469-488. 10.1177/1473325009346522
    Visit DOI →
  • 2008
    Simmons, H., Mafile’o, T., Webster, J., Jakobs, J., & Thomas, C. (2008). He Wero: The Challenge of Putting Your Body on the Line: Teaching and Learning in Anti‐Racist Practice1 . Social Work Education, 27(4), 366–379. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615470701380154
    Visit DOI →
  • 2008
    Meo-Sewabu, L., Walsh-Tapiata, W., Mafile'o, T., Havea, S., & Tuiletoa, R. (2008) Developing a Pacific strategy for social work at Massey University, New Zealand. Fiji Social Workers' Journal, 3, 13-29.
  • 2006
    Matakainga (behaving like family): The social worker-client relationship in Pasifika social work
  • 2004
    What is cultural supervision?
  • 2004
    Exploring Tongan Social Work: Fekau'aki(Connecting) and Fakatokilalo(Humility)
    Visit DOI →
  • 2001
    Mafile’o, T. (2001). Pasifikan social work theory. Social Work Review/Tu Mau, 13(3), 10-13.

Books

  • 2019
    Ravulo, J., Mafile'o, T., & Yeates, D. B. (Eds.) (2019). Pacific social work: Navigating practice, policy and research. doi:10.4324/9781315144252
    Visit DOI →

Chapters

  • 2026
    Brown, D., Ralston, M. & Mafile’o, T. (2026). Impactful Christian education research: diversity, wellbeing and the praxis of shalom (Chapter 4). In J. Verdouw, J. Ireland, C. Rayner, and F. Partridge (Eds.), Educating for hope Volume 1. National Institute for Christian Education. https://www.estore.nice.edu.au/collections/featured/products/educating-for-hope-volume-1
    View in ACORA →
  • 2025
    Winiata-Kenny, A., Owen, J., Mafile’o, T. & McNabb, D. (2025). Rangatiratanga: decolonizing and indigenizing social work education in Aotearoa New Zealand. In T. Akimoto, E.R. Canda, J. Gohori, Z.A. Hatta, Z.A., D. McNabb, S. Rasool, & K. Matsuo (eds) Social work academics resisting globalization of Western-rooted social work (Chapter 2, pp13-51). Asian Research Institute for International Social Work, Shukutoku University, Japan.
    View in ACORA →
  • 2024
    Scanlan, J. & Mafile’o, T. (2024). Thanks for Not Asking: Samoan Social Practitioner Experiences of Racism and Exclusion in Decision-Making. In: Ravulo, J., Olcoń, K., Dune, T., Workman, A., Liamputtong, P. (eds) Handbook of Critical Whiteness. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-1612-0_55-1
    Visit DOI →
  • 2023
    Mafile’o T., Mitaera, J. & Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2023). Collective cultures, power, and individual judgement. In B. Taylor, J. Fluke, D. Baumann, A. Shlonsky, E. Keddell, A. Whittaker and C. Killick (Eds) Sage handbook of decision making, Assessment and risk in social work. Sage.
    View Publication →
  • 2020
    Cake art as social work: Creative, sensory and relational knowing
    Visit DOI →
  • 2019
    Ravulo, J., Mafile'o, T., & Yeates, D. B. (2019). Introduction to Pacific social work: Places, peoples, perspectives and practices. In Pacific social work navigating practice, policy and research (pp. 3-10). Routledge. doi:10.4324/9781315144252
  • 2019
    Mafile'o, T., Mataira, P., & Saxton, K. (2019). Towards a Pacific-Indigenous research paradigm for Pacific social work. In J. Ravulo, T. Mafile'o, & D. B. Yeates (Eds.), Pacific social work navigating practice, policy and research (pp. 209-220). Routledge. doi:10.4324/9781315144252
    View Publication →
  • 2019
    Mafile’o, T. (2019). Social work with Pacific communities. In R. Munford & K. O'Donoghue (Eds.) New theories for social work practice: Ethical practice for working with individuals, families and communities (Chapter 11, pp212-230). London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
    View Publication →
  • 2019
    Mafile'o, T., Mitaera, J., & Mila, K. (2019). Pacific-Indigenous social work theories and models. In J. Ravulo, T. Mafile'o, & D. B. Yeates (Eds.), Pacific social work navigating practice, policy and research (pp. 22-34). Routledge. doi:10.4324/9781315144252
    View Publication →
  • 2017
    Mafile’o, T. (2017) Culture and Beliefs. In K. Crinall & L. Berends (Eds.) New frameworks for human and community services. Melbourne, VIC: Oxford University Press.
  • 2013
    Mafile’o, T. (2013). Pasifika social work. In M. Connolly & L.Harms (Eds.) Social work in contexts and practice (3rd Edtn). Melbourne, VIC: Oxford University Press.
  • 2009
    Staller, K., & Mafile'o, T. (2009). Community. In I. Shaw, K. Briar-Lawson, J. Orme, & R. Ruckdeschel (Eds.) The Sage Handbook of social work research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
  • 2009
    Mafile’o, T. (2009). Pasifika social work. In M.Connolly & L.Harms (Eds.) Social work in contexts and practice (2nd Edtn). Melbourne, VIC: Oxford University Press.
  • 2008
    Mafile’o, T. (2008). Tongan social work practice. In M.Grey, J.Coates, & M.Yellowbird (Eds.) Indigenous social work around the world: Towards culturally relevant education and practice. Williston, VT: Ashgate Publishing.
    View Publication →
  • 2005
    Community development: a Tongan perspective
  • 2001
    Social work and the Pasifika dimension

Conference Publications

  • 2014
    Similar but different: Conceptions and management of institutional policy in the United States, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea
    View Publication →

Research Report for External Bodies

  • 2024
    Rising stories: investigating climate (im)mobility in the Pacific through multigenerational family stories [synthesis report]
    View Publication →
  • 2022
    Cultural humility framework: Growing the Aotearoa New Zealand children's workforce capability to work with Pacific families
    View Publication →
  • 2010
    Wellington Tongan community contributions to the National Library exhibtion: Sui ki Moana: Reaching Across the Pacific - a Tongan project of pride
    View Publication →

Other

  • 2025
    Mafile'o, T., Alofa, P., Kauongo, T.U., Saguba, L., Steven, H., Filoa, A., Sanga, F., Toloa, T., Isaako-Toloa, L.,Halatuituia, S.N.,Hauma., T.P., Sanga E. (2025, June 3-6). Reflections on Rising Stories Research Investigating Climate Mobility in the Pacific through Multigeneration Family Stories [Conference presentation]. Pacific Discourses and Destinies Australian Association for Pacific Studies Conference 2025, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
  • 2024
    Mafile’o, T. (Ed.). (2024). Rising stories: investigating climate (im)mobility in the Pacific through multigenerational family stories [case studies]. Mana Pacific Consultants Ltd.
    View Publication →
  • 2024
    Mafile'o. T. (2024, November 19-20). Stories for Social Change: storytelling in social work and human services education and research to address inequity, discrimination and marginalisation [invited keynote conference presentation]. Australia & New Zealand Social Work and Welfare Education and Research Symposium, University of Otago, New Zealand.
  • 2024
    Mafile’o, T.A., Alofa, P., Kauongo, T., Saguba, L.,Steven, H., Filoa, A., Sanga, F., Toloa, T., Isaako-Toloa, L., Halatuituia, S.N., Hauma, T.P. (2024, October 23-26). Weaving our stories through poetry: Connecting families’ experiences of climate-related mobility across the Pacific [Conference presentation]. 9th International Symposium of Poetic Inquiry 2024: Connection, Community, Craft. AUT, Auckland, NZ.
  • 2024
    Pacific-led approaches: Guidelines for practice, policy and research [policy brief]
    View Publication →
  • 2023
    Storytelling approaches: Getting to the heart of policy in the Pacific [policy brief]
    View Publication →
  • 2017
    Expanding the conversation: International Indigenous social workers’ insights into the use of Indigenist knowledge and theory in practice
    Visit DOI →
  • 2009
    Mafile'o, T. (2009) Fostering research in a Christian university: A paradigm shift for Adventist higher education in the South Pacific Islands. Christ in the Classroom, Series 40.
    View Publication →

Invited position

  • 2021
    Pacific Adventist University Adjunct Associate Professor
  • 2011
    James Cook University, Cairns Institute, Adjunct Professor

Contribution to conference, workshop, seminar or course

  • 2026
    Mafile’o, T.A., Samuelu, F., Kusilifu, A., Taylor, D., Mafile’o, V. (2026, June 24). Heartstrings heritage: Pasifika family advocacy, intergenerational knowledge and heart health equity [Conference presentation]. Insight to Action: Research that strengthens health solutions across Aotearoa and the Pacific, Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa Research Symposium, University of Auckland.
  • 2025
    Alefaio-Tugia, S. Mafile’o, T. Satele, J. & Chankay, P. (2025, December 3-5). Exploring frailty prevention for Pacific māuta (elders). [Conference presentation]. Ageing Together: New Zealand Association of Gerontology Conference, Otago University, Dunedin, New Zealand.
  • 2025
    Mafile’o, T.A., Alofa, P., Kauongo, T., Saguba, L., Steven, H., Filoa, A., Sanga, F., Toloa, T., Isaako-Toloa, L., Halatuituia, S.N., Hauma, T.P. (2025, 3-6 June). Reflections on Rising Stories Research Investigating Climate Mobility in the Pacific through Multigeneration Family Stories [Conference presentation]. Australian Association for Pacific Studies Conference, University of Sydney, Sydney Australia.
  • 2025
    Mafile’o, T.A., Mitaera, J., Ledoux-Taua’aletoa, S., Temoana, S. (2025, August 12-15). Growing cultural humility of the children’s workforce serving people of the Moana in Aotearoa New Zealand [Conference presentation]. 7th International Indigenous Voices in Social Work Conference, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
  • 2025
    Thompson, N., Barlow, C., Pondi, K., Api, U., McIver, R., & Mafile'o, T. (2025, June 25-28). Movement Building at Scale: Lessons from 170,854 Baptisms in the PNG for Christ Campaign [Conference presentation]. Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association, Andrews University, Berrien springs, Michigan, USA.
  • 2024
    Mafile’o, T. (2024, 19-20 November). Stories for Social Change: storytelling in social work and human services education and research to address inequity, discrimination and marginalisation, [Invited keynote address], Australia & New Zealand Social Work and Welfare Education and Research Symposium, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
  • 2024
    Mafile’o, T. (2024, 30 April). Pacific Climate Mobility: A Family Stories Study [Research Seminar] Scripture, Spirituality and Society Research Centre, Avondale University, Cooranbong, NSW, Australia.
  • 2024
    Mafile’o, T.A. & Renfrew, C. (2024, 21 August). Adventist Families in Australia study [Research presentation], Families Ministries Leaders’ Meeting, Australian Union Conference, Melbourne, Australia.
  • 2024
    Mafile’o, T.A. (2024, 15 August 2024). Rising stories: investigating climate (im)mobility in the Pacific through multigenerational family stories [Invited guest speaker] Masters in Sustainable Development Goals Contact Workshop, Massey University, Palmerston North, NZ.
  • 2024
    Mafile’o, T.A., Alofa, P., Kauongo, T., Saguba, L., Steven, H., Filoa, A., Sanga, F., Toloa, T., Isaako-Toloa, L., Halatuituia, S.N., Hauma, T.P. (2024, October 23-26). Weaving our stories through poetry: Connecting families’ experiences of climate-related mobility across the Pacific [Conference presentation]. 9th International Symposium of Poetic Inquiry 2024: Connection, Community, Craft. AUT, Auckland, NZ.
  • 2024
    Mafile’o, T.A., Garlett, D., Bobongie-Harris, F. & Fiaalii, S. (2024, 28 October). ADRA First Nations Community Development Research [Research presentation and workshop], ADRA Australia leaders meeting, Cooranbong, NSW, Australia.
  • 2024
    Saguba, L. & Mafile’o, T. (2024, 20 June). Rising stories: investigating climate (im)mobility in the Pacific through multigenerational family stories [Research presentation], Australia Awards PNG Research Capacity Strengthening Programme, Pacific Adventist University, PNG.
  • 2023
    Kraus, K.L., Coulson, M. & Mafile’o, T. (2023, October 30). Engaging the South Pacific: The value, challenges and opportunities of Australia-Pacific faith-based higher education partnerships. [Interactive workshop facilitation] Faith-Based Higher Education Summit, Australian Christian Higher Education Alliance, Parliament House, Canberra, Australia.
  • 2023
    Mafile’o, T. (2023, December 7). Pacific-led research: Reflections on what it looks like and its impacts. [Keynote conference presentation]. New Directions in Research | Tūhura-He Aronga Hou Symposium, Whitireia New Zealand/WelTec/Te Pūkenga.
  • 2023
    Mafile’o, T. (2023, October 20-21). Working Across Cultures in Aotearoa. [Invited keynote presentation] Crossing Cultures for Mission Symposium, Avondale University, Australia.

Oral presentation

  • 2026
    Mafile’o, T.A. (2026, April 28 – May 2). From Small Circles to Big Impact: Family Ministry That Grows the Church [Invited plenary address]. South Pacific for Christ Launch, Watson Park, Brisbane, Australia.
  • 2026
    Mafile’o, T.A. (2026, August 14). Reciprocity and the meaning of ‘place’ in transnational Pasifika families [Invited training presentation]. Immigration and Protection Tribunal, New Zealand, Annual Training. Auckland.

Thesis Examination

  • 2026
    Jamea, M. (2025). The role of family owners’ SEW in family-run SME international opportunity development: A Papua New Guinean perspective. PhD thesis, University of South Australia.
  • 2026
    Kickett, G. (2026). Benanginy Dangalang, Picking Everlastings: A Story to listen and Learn. PhD thesis, Social Work and Social Policy, The University of Western Australia.
  • 2026
    Seru, L. (2026). Constructing a theology of Pou Taane: Re-defining gender equality in Mele, Vanuatu. PhD thesis, Pasifika Communities University.
  • 2025
    Baker, M. (2025). "I don’t have the luxury to worry about life being hard because responsibility supersedes emotions and I have to just keep going”: Utilising pūrākau to explore wellbeing, resilience, and the experiences of Māori and Pacific social work students in Aotearoa. MSW thesis, Auckland University.
  • 2023
    Pulu, V. (2023). Co-designing a community-based intervention programme for prediabetes. PhD thesis, Massey University
  • 2022
    Port, H. (2022). How Do Evolving Kava Related Practices Impact the Role of Tongan Women Living in Aotearoa? PhD thesis, Auckland University of Technology

Committee, Board, Panel member

  • 2029
    University of Goroka Council Member
  • 2027
    Longburn Adventist College Board Member
  • 2027
    Tātou Collective Investment Board Member
  • 2022
    Avondale University Council Member
  • 2019
    Asia and Pacific Association of Social Work Educators Board Member
  • 2017
    Pacific Research and Policy Centre Management Committee, Massey University
  • 2015
    International Board of Education (General Conference, Adventist Church) Member
  • 2014
    Academic Quality Assurange Committee Chair, Pacific Adventist University
  • 2014
    Academic Senate Chair, Pacific Adventist University
  • 2014
    PNG National Higher Education Quality Assurance and Accreditation Committee Member
  • 2011
    PNG National AIDS Council Secretariat Research Advisory Committee Member
  • 2010
    Research and Ethics Committee Chair, Pacific Adventist University
  • 2007
    New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse Advisory Member
  • 2006
    New Zealand Child and Youth Mortality Review National Committee Member
  • 2006
    Palmerston North City Council Community Development Plan Advisory Member

Service

  • 2020
    NZQA Panel Member and Moderator for Kaitiakitanga Postrgraduate Diploma in Bi-Cultural Professional Supervision, Te Wananga o Aotearoa
  • 2017
    Plunket National Pacific Advisory Panel Member
  • 2015
    Papaioea Pasifika Community Trust Chair
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram