Holomesi Finau, a doctoral student at The University of the South Pacific (USP), is tackling one of Tonga’s most sensitive and crucial issues – customary land security.
Currently based at USP’s Laucala Campus, Finau is pursuing a PhD in Land Management with a research focus on how customary land tenure can adapt to modernity while preserving identity and ensuring sustainable development.
A native of Kolofo’ou in Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu, Finau’s academic journey began overseas.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Brigham Young University in Hawaii and later completed a Master’s in Public Administration from BYU-Provo in Utah.
Despite his overseas education, it was USP’s unique offering in land management that brought him home to the Pacific and his desire to serve his country.
“USP provided a land management program which falls in line with my plan and aspirations,” Finau explained.
His PhD research, titled “Customary Land Security for Sustainable Development in Tonga,” aims to explore how Tonga’s land tenure system can evolve to better serve its people.
Specifically, it examines the interplay between land tenure and sustainable development, emphasising the need for a holistic understanding of land security that goes beyond the legal framework.
“Land is my identity and a timely issue to address to protect Tonga and her people while adapting to modernity,” he shared.
“My goal is to find ways we can retain our values while ensuring prosperity.”
Currently preparing for his data collection phase, Finau described his progress as onward, showing steady momentum in a journey that was both academic and deeply personal.
He believes his research will not only contribute to scholarly knowledge but also make a tangible impact on Tongan society.
In the short term, Finau aims to publish in reputable land management journals, conduct workshops and TED-style talks, and mentor emerging researchers.
His long-term vision is more ambitious – to introduce land management courses into Tonga’s national school curriculum and influence national policy related to land and development.
“This PhD is a door to more opportunities to make an impact, statement, and change on the global, regional, and national levels,” he noted.
When asked about his ideal future role, Finau said he envisioned himself consulting for global and regional organisations. Their decisions determine and influence impact on the national level,” he said, reflecting a desire to shape policies that affect Pacific nations.
Finau is grateful for the support he has received at USP, noting, “USP has provided a safe environment to study and interact with diverse scholars.”
“Finau’s research is more than just an academic pursuit; it is his opportunity to share his story with the world, a story of growing up in Tonga, his upbringing there, and what it truly means to be Tongan.”
Through his work at The University of the South Pacific, he is poised to be a key voice in shaping sustainable and culturally grounded land policies in the region.
Finau is a scholarship recipient of the U.S.-Pacific Resilience and Adaptation Fellowship Program (U.S.-PRAFP).
