Abstract
This thesis aimed to explore Samoan parenting practices in Aotearoa New Zealand. I used the Fa’afaletui approach to collect and analyse data and guide the principles of this research alongside a Western qualitative research method. I attempted to contribute to the current Pacific literature by exploring what Samoans believe contributes to disciplinary and/or harsh parenting practices. I also aimed to explore experiences of Samoans parenting in Aotearoa New Zealand. Finally, in an attempt to inform positive parenting practices, I aimed to explore what Samoans believe can motivate Samoan parents to engage in nurturing parenting practices. Thematic analysis led to the development of nine overarching themes from three different cohorts (community leaders, adults, and emerging adults). While there were different generational experiences, fundamentally, the participants identified the preference or the aspiration towards nurturing parenting practices. I also found that participants, were and are actively contributing to their own parent-child/child-parent relationship in order to increase positive parenting practices. This study, therefore, offers practical and workable solutions to increase nurturing parenting practices in the Samoan home.