There has been an outpouring of grief and words weighted with respect for Sir Michael Somare since his death. It seems a pertinent time to reflect — and I was honestly so frustrated when a friend, Dr Bal Kama, was cut short in an interview when asked about the relationship…

Sad news has come through of Sir Michael Somare being unwell. One of the Pacific’s independence leaders, I can’t help feeling a little nostalgic and reflecting on the ideas he promoted and that grounded his leadership. In particular, I am interested in his connections to Africa — Somare was influenced…

Anyone who has flown into Suva will likely have landed at Nausori Airport. Nausori sits a little ways out of Fiji’s capital, but is home to histories that are just as interesting and rich as those of the larger township. Dr Tarisi Vunidilo and I will be resuming our Tok…

Ok you guys. I did it. I finally downloaded TikTok. And then not only that, but I made a … what do they even call it? A Tik? Or a Tok? I made a video. Let’s maybe keep it simple. …

Coming from a place where settler colonialism has wrought so much destruction and dispossession for First Peoples, I remember having a discussion with Teresia Teiawa about how colonialism had somehow been better in Fiji. She cautioned me, saying all is not as smooth as it might seem at first glance…

This weekend, Dr Tarisi Vunidilo and I will be resuming our Tok Story sessions on Facebook for 2021. We have been working hard to get our research out beyond the walls of academic institutions, through social media to communities where the history we have studied really matters. The last session…

Time to Listen: Reflections on Australia Day discussions 2021 Dr Kirstie Close Prime Minister Scott Morrison suggested that the 26 January 1788 was not ‘particularly flash’ for the First Fleet. This flippant remark been met with frustration by large parts of the Australian community who consider this completely insensitive to…

Histories of the Harbour Town On 12 December 2020 I had the privilege of being a live guest for talanoa on Dr Tarisi Vunidilo’s facebook page (check out @talanoawithdrt). Our focus: histories of Levuka, plus a bit about kava on the beautiful island of Ovalau. …

I spoke with Dr Tarisi Vunidilo yesterday, about her research and experiences in academia. Tarisi is indefatigable - doing what she loves, with a stellar attitude. She was speaking from her hotel room in Seoul, South Korea, having been invited to join in an international symposium at the National Museum…