Jekope Maiono has made history by becoming the first indigenous Fijian to attain four prestigious degrees from the University of Otago in New Zealand. At 45 years old, Jekope, who hails from Cikobia, is an accomplished lecturer at the same university. He moved to New Zealand in 2006, primarily for sports-related opportunities.
Jekope’s impressive academic journey has led him to pursue further education at the University of Otago, where he aims to enhance his studies due to the proximity to the university. His extensive academic qualifications 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, Jekope initiated his PhD program and focused on research titled “50 Years of Independence: Indigenous Perception on Sustainable Land Development in Fiji,” examining the land use by indigenous Fijians over the past five decades. He highlighted the importance of revisiting the last fifty years of independence to explore indigenous perspectives on land utilization.
His research addresses the lack of understanding regarding the effective management of land resources, which remains ambiguous in relation to land ownership laws and sustainability practices. Jekope emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of indigenous land use and governance, particularly regarding “land ecology” and “political ecology.”
Jekope also plans to conduct further research in Cicia, dubbed the “Organic Island,” to investigate land preservation and its sustainable usage by future generations. Currently, he serves as a lecturer in business studies at the University of Otago. His ongoing research aims to lend a voice to indigenous communities and foster discussions on issues they face.
In his recommendations, he urges communities to envision what they want to achieve in the next fifty years. He draws attention to the sustainability of land usage and the connection between urban development and indigenous leadership in contemporary settings.