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Talanoa Philosophy

Talanoa addresses a basic question: how do we determine and evaluate for ourselves whether or not we are able and capable of resolving the problems of human life? In this connection, the basic problems of human life relate to our thinking and feelings of insecurity, unsustainability and unhappiness, in place and in time. 

Publications Talanoa Books NZ Introducing Talanoa Collected Papers. Halapua, S. (coming soon 2026) The Art of Talanoa. Halapua, S. (2022) Talanoa 'a e Kafataha Mahino mo e Fakakaukau Kakoto. Halapua, S. (2014) Additional resources Photo: Dr Sitiveni Halapua

Talanoa in Practice

Talanoa is storytelling without concealment. Without pre-determined agenda, Talanoa reveals the irreducible plurality of different moral concerns.

Fiji Talanoa   Facilitating talks after the civilian coup of 2000.
The Talanoa process (2000-2004) brought representatives of different political, religious and ethnic segments of Fijian society together to address conflictual issues, from constitutional inequities to land reform. Read more about the Fiji Talanoa

Tonga Talanoa   Facilitating Political Reform since 2005.

1. Faced with an increasingly conflictual impasse between striking civil servants and the government of Tonga, the Princess Regent issued a Royal Command to engage the Talanoa process.

2. To reveal Tonga's moral pre-conditions for political reform, the NCPR parliamentary committee, chaired by Prince Tui'pelehake, brought the Talanoa process to every village in the Kingdom.

3. Parliamentary Capacity Enhancement and Talanoa Program for Members of the Legislative Assembly 16-18 July 2008.

Read more about the Tonga Talanoa

Solomon Islands Tok Stori   Rebuilding peace between communities in Guadalcanal (2005).
In partnership with the National Peace Council, and in association with RAMSI (Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands), the East-West Center engaged the Talanoa process in reconciliation talks that worked to re-build peace between communities at the forefront of, and central to, the national crisis that affected the lives of the people and the institutions of government in the Solomon Islands between 1999-2003. Read more about the Solomon Islands Tok Stori

Project Vaka Fanāua: Our Road is the Sea

In 2006, the National Committee for Political Reform held Talanoa meetings in every village in Tonga. In outer islands consultations, it was found that the struggle for political reform was grounded in a major frustration with basic impediments to achieving a self-sustaining local economy. For the Niuatoputapu, Niuafoʻou and Tafahi peoples, the major issue was the lack of sea transport. “The government provides roads for the people of Nukuʻalofa. Our road is the sea. Why can’t they provide a boat?”

Project Vaka Fanāua aims to address this area of development and conflict by building confidence in the sustainable future of small, marginalised outer island communities and their ecosystems.

To this end, a prototype inter-islands cargo/passenger sailing trimaran was developed. It is flexible, affordable, safe and sustainable in all aspects of its operation and management. This two masted sailing vessel combines old Pacific island tradition with modern construction to safely and quickly carry almost three tons of people and/or cargo on deep sea voyages.

Launched in November 2016, the prototype was named 'Utuma'atu by King Tupou VI of Tonga. The vessel is now owned and operated by the Tongan Charity Ongo Niua Community Corporation (ONCC).

The Talanoa and Development Project continues to be involved in the project and is currently fundraising to allow for the purchase of new sails and other equipment.