THE MANA ENHANCING ROLE OF EVALUATION: 

Celebrating the wisdom from evaluative practice across Oceania

Evaluation is a form of knowledge generation, and also a way to share and honour knowledge. We also know that knowledge is power, and in that capacity, has a critical role in building and enhancing mana; the mana of people, of places, and also our profession. 

We are privileged to live in a country and region where diverse ways of knowing, being, and doing is acknowledged and increasingly celebrated. By extension our evaluations and practices have an important role to play in nurturing and strengthening this diversity and mana; a role that involves honouring different worldviews and practices for use and impact.

Our conference theme was inspired – with permission - by Dr Apisalome Movono and Professor Regina Scheyvens book ‘Mana of the Pacific – wisdom from across Oceania’. This captured the ways in which traditional knowledge and culture helped communities who were typically reliant upon tourism, to navigate the uncertainty brought about by the pandemic.

We are fortunate enough to have negotiated a discounted rate at the Novotel Ellerslie and Ibis for accommodation so if you would like to book please visit here.

We are delighted to have some fantastic entertainment for the dinner so make sure you get your tickets. 'JELO is a dynamic four-piece band featuring Joe, Eddie, Larry, and Oz, each with extensive experience in the music scene. Their eclectic sound draws from a diverse range of genres, including pop, R&B, polyfunk, Pasefika rhythms, old-school classics, and even a touch of classical influence. With a unique blend of groove and soul, JELO creates music that resonates with both heart and rhythm, offering a vibrant and rich listening experience for every audience'.

Our full programme is available for download on the right hand side of the page.