Fieldwork Preparations

Ensuring sufficient and appropriate preparation for research fieldwork will not only facilitate positive aspects of the experience, but also ultimately influence its success (Leslie & Storey, 2003). Still, it is important to allow for enough flexibility to cater for unforeseeable circumstances that occur during fieldwork, such as sickness and the bad weather which prevented me from completing certain tasks according to schedule. The following section will enumerate all the fieldwork preparations taken to ensure a smooth entrance into the field.

4.2.1

Methodological Approach

Prior to choosing the methodological approach for data collection, identifying ethical issues pertaining to the research, and addressing practical issues concerning fieldwork, a thorough review of the existing literature on the research topic was undertaken. This provided a good understanding of what had already been done and what was currently known about the research topic. In the process, a gap surfaced, indicating a need for further research (Fink, 2005). Such a review of the current literature enables the researcher to situate the research topic in the existing body of knowledge (Potter, 2002).

The focus of this research is aimed at the micro level, where the experiences of migrants who have come to New Zealand under the PAC scheme and their families remaining in Tuvalu are of particular interest. Therefore, a qualitative approach was considered relevant and applicable. Roger (2000, p. 51) defined qualitative research as “research that represents human beings as whole persons living in dynamic, complex social

54 arrangements.” Including people that have been directly and indirectly involved in the migration process, a qualitative fieldwork approach enabled the researcher to gain valuable insights on migration issues from an individual perspective.

Fieldwork was carried out in two phases. The first phase took place in Tuvalu, conducting interviews with migrants’ families and government employees, while the second phase was carried out in New Zealand with PAC migrants and their families. Particular interest was placed on family and community perspectives which took into account the experiences of the Tuvaluan PAC migrants in New Zealand and their families in Tuvalu. These experiences ranged from the PAC application process to settlement in New Zealand and family networking between the two countries. At the government level, emphasis was on collecting information on government data and policy concerning the PAC migration scheme, and exploring the Tuvalu government’s views on migration, development, and climate change issues.

The main method of data collection was interactive interviewing, or semi-structured interviews. Brockington and Sullivan (2003) stressed that to fully understand what is happening in the world around us we need to interact and participate with those involved in the areas we have chosen to study, exploring the meanings of each participant’s world on his or her own terms. Interactive interviewing accomplishes this by allowing people to describe their own experiences and the rationale behind their decisions and actions.

In the next section, the ethical considerations taken for this research will be discussed.

4.2.2

Ethical Considerations

Before any data collection was carried out, ethical approval was sought from the Massey University Human Ethics Committee (MUHEC). An in-house peer review consultation with my supervisor and two staff from the Development Studies Programme was conducted prior to submission of my application to MUHEC. The important ethical issues that were considered at this stage included processes for the recruitment of participants, seeking informed consent from participants before any form

55 of data collection (such as interviewing) took place, anonymity and confidentiality of the participants, security and privacy of information, use of the information gathered, and possible conflicts in the role of the researcher (see Appendix 4). The implementation of the above-mentioned ethical issues will be further discussed in the fieldwork section later in this chapter.

It is important at this stage to identify the recruitment process used to obtain participants. A snowball sampling technique was identified as the most appropriate method for identifying participants. Snowball sampling allows the community to be responsible for directing a researcher to participants. Once the first participant is selected, the next participant is chosen by the previous one.

To build rapport and gain the trust of the participants, an explicit introduction of myself, the purpose of the research and use of the information gathered was shared with participants as a first step. This served as an ice-breaking technique that helped to create a closer connection between the participants and myself.

Another important issue that needed careful consideration was a possible conflict of interest between my dual roles as an independent local researcher and a government official. To overcome any potential confusion on the part of targeted participants, emphasis was put on explaining the purpose of the research and the use of any information gathered from them. Specifically, collected data was intended for academic purposes only, and not for government use. At the government level, to overcome the potential conflict in roles, permission for consultation with relevant government departments was sought from the Secretary to Government prior to leaving for the fieldwork, and the purpose and significance of the study was explained.

4.2.3

Tokens of Appreciation

A token of appreciation for the participants, excluding government officials, was considered as an important component of my fieldwork. Before leaving for the field, I needed a good supply of items I considered appropriate to give to participants to show my appreciation for their time and their willingness to participate.

56 Sulu/sarongs made from New Zealand- and Tuvaluan-designed fabrics were chosen as appropriate gifts for the participants. A sulu is a traditional garment that most Tuvaluans (men, women, and youths) use as daily wear, hence the purpose of choosing them as a gift. I remember my grandfather Pie’s advice, which was reiterated to me by my grandmother Paufi, saying ‘manatua teao niu mo teao pii mana fano koe kite tufuga’ – ‘always remember a couple of brown and green husked coconuts when you go to the local tufuga (massager)’. This shows your appreciation for the work of the tufuga. Despite the typical offer of free work by the tufuga, reciprocity is considered highly important in the Tuvaluan culture, and thus the same was applied to the participants who willingly took part in the research.