Models of Social Work Practice in Lovo and Veiqaravi Vakavanua

The research explored and examined Fijian social work and community work practice, as it is understood by Fijian social workers. It examined two Fijian practices, the social practice of lovo, and of the cultural practice of veiqaravi vakavanua, in the hope of constructing models of social work practice. Fijian social workers from Fiji and Aotearoa New Zealand dissipated in an individual and group interviews exploring the Fijian values, knowledge, skills and processes, with form the basis to their practice. The veitalanoa (chatting or informal sharing) methodology of identifying informants, approaching informants, and collecting the information and the research questions asked have all help the completion and results of the project. The findings provide key information to help us understand Fijian social work. Research findings highlight Western body of knowledge and practices has heavily influenced Fijian social work practice. However, certain Fijian social and cultural practice are still kept alive and remain in news today: these practices provide a window into people's lives and can be used by Fijian and non-Fijian practitioners working with Fijian families as tools or practice for social work