How the Tivaevae Methodology Can Be Used to Guide Ethical Research When Capturing Pacific Youth Voices

Abstract

<jats:p>Introduction: Health research involving children and young people is essential to gain a better understanding of their unique perspectives, and health needs, particularly for Pacific populations in New Zealand, which are comparatively young. Research involving children and young people presents ethical challenges, as children and persons under 16 years of age are considered vulnerable and in need of protection. The capacity and appropriateness of children and young people providing individual consent or assent can be a contentious issue and for Pacific children and young people, individual consent may conflict with collectivist cultural values. Methods A review of the Cook Islands’ Tīvaevae research methodology was undertaken against the New Zealand health research ethical standards to assess its suitability for guiding consent processes involving Pacific youth. Conclusion: This paper argues that the values of the Cook Islands’ Tīvaevae methodology namely tu-inangaro (relationships) and akaari kite (a shared vision) can be used to reframe the consent process from an individual transaction to a collective dialogue to ease the tension in capturing informed consent for young Pacific people and children, thereby mitigating potential harm and fostering trust in research participation.</jats:p>