Fuapepe Rimoni

Dr. Fuapepe Rimoni serves as a Lecturer at the School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, where she teaches Pacific and Multi-ethnic Education across undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Her academic focus lies in Indigenous and ethnic minority education, examining how community dynamics shape life experiences and their expression. Based in Wellington, New Zealand, she actively contributes to research and doctoral supervision, emphasizing culturally responsive pedagogy for Pacific communities.

Education:

• PhD in Education, Victoria University of Wellington (2011-2015)

Dr. Rimoni's research centers on Pacific youth education, particularly Samoan boys (Tama Samoa) in secondary schools. She investigates identity formation, sense of belonging, and school efficacy. Current projects explore Pasifika Education Plan values implementation in teacher education and strategies for retaining Māori and Pacific students in teaching programs. Her work advocates for deep integration of Pacific values—such as service, respect, and leadership—into educational practices to foster equity and cultural responsiveness.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2013-2024) reveals a consistent focus on Pacific education policy and practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. Key themes include the Fa’afaletui Framework for Pacific research, service as a core value for Pasifika learners, and identity exploration among Tama Samoa. Her scholarship critiques superficial policy implementation, urging educators to confront structural inequities and embrace Pacific knowledge systems for transformative change.

Dr. Rimoni supervises doctoral research on diverse topics: teacher wellbeing in Vietnamese private schools, digital tools for culturally responsive Pasifika tertiary education, and pedagogical impacts of primary teachers' disabilities. Her supervision aligns with national priorities for Pacific educational advancement, though specific grant funding remains unreported.