Elspeth Hallett’s award-winning essay explores the intersection of indigenous rights, anti-nuclear activisim and decolonisation efforts in the South Pacific.
Elspeth Hallett has been awarded a School of Arts Faletufuga Research Prize, recognising her work as a third-year student last year.
This award is for her research essay titled “‘Ki Te la Pacific! Get out of the Pacific!’: How was the Treaty of Rarotonga achieved and has it continued to achieve a nuclear-free Pacific? What impact did it have on Oceania’s relationship with colonisation and imperialism?”
It was written for the History paper “Empires Strike Back: A Global History of Decolonisation”. Elspeth says the paper, taught by Associate Professor Miranda Johnson, made for an interesting semester.
“It covered a range of colonised nations and their subsequent progress in decolonisation. I highly recommend taking this paper.”
Elspeth’s essay explores the Treaty of Rarotonga, also known as the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, which bans the use, testing and possession of nuclear weapons within the zone. She says the Treaty represents a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle for sovereignty and self-determination in the South Pacific.
“This topic was very interesting to me as I believe it is crucial to acknowledge and address the connection between colonisation and nuclear testing, and the environmental and cultural devastation it has caused.”
Elspeth believes the commendation for her research project reflects the significance of the topic itself, and its importance in historical discourse today.
“It's humbling to see the impact that dedicated research can have in advancing our understanding and contributing to the greater body of knowledge in this field. Decolonisation is a discipline which requires further indigenous-led research to bring awareness to the ongoing impacts caused by centuries of injustice.”
Elspeth finished her studies last year and is now in a graduate programme at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. She hopes to venture overseas, explore other countries, and contribute to making the world a more equitable and inclusive place.
Te Pae Tata School of Arts Māori and Pacific Prizes
This is one of a series of articles on the six recipients of the 2024 Te Pae Tata School of Arts Māori and Pacific prizes. The prizes recognise diligence and leadership among Māori and Pacific students, and outstanding scholarship on topics significant to Māori and Pacific communities.
Ngā mihi thank you to all the kaimahi across the School of Arts who nominated students, to those who served on the four committees: Sia Lei-Mata’afa, Tenaya Brown, Michelle Taiaroa, Michelle Thompson-Fawcett, Michelle Schaaf, Tagiilima Feleti, Arlene Allan, and Wayne Te Kaawa, and to the main coordinator of these prizes, Thomas McLean.