Aburi (also know as Lois) is a research and evaluation assistant with Mana Pacific Consultants. She is experienced working cross-culturally, and has in-depth knowledge of Pacific cultural, social, and economic issues, especially in Melanesia.
"When one seeks to better understand a Pacific Islander by reflecting on their own thoughts and feelings, or their words, tone of voice, and gestures, then one knows there are no subjects in research."
Aburi is a Solomon Islander from Kwai Island, Malaita Province. As a teacher, Aburi taught at two different government institutions in the Solomon Islands, one a Secondary School and the other the Solomon Islands Teachers College (now the Solomon Islands National University). She also taught at the South Sea's Evangelical Church Secondary School. Since migrating to New Zealand in the late 90s, Lois has lived, worked and studied in different parts of the country. She has a passion for the well-being of seasonal workers and has used her communication, empathetic listening, and advocacy skills, to do tok stori and counselling amongst women in different locations across New Zealand.
The work Aburi is proud of includes:
- Research on the experiences of the Solomon Islands Seasonal Workers under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme as part of her masters research, examining the economic gains, social encounters in relation to religious and cultural adjustments and worldview clashes faced by seasonal workers. Aburi continues to be actively involved with supporting and advocating for the wellbeing of seasonal workers from Solomon Islands under the RSE scheme in New Zealand.
- Research with the Kwakwaru Tribe, East Malaita, Solomon Islands on climate mobility (Rising Stories) using tok stori, poetry and digital story methods. This research ignited within the tribe the desire to relocate to where their ancestors migrated from and Aburi continues to support these initiatives.
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Lois Aburi Kusilifu
