Jekope Maiono, a 45-year-old from Cikobia, has achieved an impressive milestone by earning four prestigious degrees from the University of Otago in New Zealand, where he serves as a lecturer. Maiono relocated to New Zealand in 2006 to pursue his passion for sports.
While in New Zealand, he participated in the Rewa team and the Tailevu Knights, which led him to receive an invitation to play sports there. He plans to return to university to further his studies, given that the University of Otago is in close proximity to his residence.
His educational journey spans 13 years to attain his degrees, which include a Bachelor of Commerce in Management, a Master of Sustainable Business, a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences, and a Doctor of Philosophy focusing on “Sustainable Land Development in Fiji.”
In 2020, he initiated his PhD program, conducting research titled “50 years of Independence Indigenous Perception on Sustainable Land Development in Fiji,” which looks at the implications of land usage in the past 50 years since Fiji’s independence.
Maiono aims to address the ongoing community dialogue regarding land utilization, encouraging a return to rural landscapes and soliciting local opinions on land use, particularly after half a century of independence.
He chose this research topic because there is a significant gap in understanding the effective utilization of land resources due to unclear laws governing land ownership and usage.
His research focuses on two major themes: “land ecology,” which studies indigenous land usage, and “political ecology.” Additionally, he plans to explore Cicia, an island known for its organic farming practices.
Maiono’s important research aims to preserve land for future generations and ensure that his descendants can utilize these resources sustainably.
Currently, he is working as a lecturer in the business school at the University of Otago. He emphasizes that while many local issues remain unaddressed, his research aims to support the community’s needs.
As a call to action, he encourages community members to share their goals and aspirations for the next 50 years, highlighting the importance of land and community welfare in sustainable development.