We are please to announce funding for an additional HRC 2023 Pacific Health Project Grant.

2023 Pacific Health Project Grant

Dr Nasili Vaka'uta, Trinity Methodist Theological College

36 months, $1,171,446

The Lotu factor: Delusional religiosity, COVID-19 and Tongan wellbeing in New Zealand.

Lay Summary:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, health professionals encountered some objections and resistance from Pacific communities. One of the strongest (yet ignored) factors behind the resistance was people's illusionary lotu (faith/religion) or 'delusional religiosity' (i.e religious beliefs and practices with no link to reality or facts). Delusional religiosity is a 'pandemic' in its own way, and it had the propensity to harm people with its toxic and life-negating orientation. The overall aim of this project is to explore the impact of delusional religiosity on the health and wellbeing of Pacific peoples with a particular focus on Tongans.

Central to the project is the question: what impact does delusional religiosity have on the wellbeing of Tongans in New Zealand?

To answer this question, this project with employ a qualitative approach to data collection and analysis.