Acknowledgements

This book took life as a doctoral dissertation in Pacific History at The Australian National University under the supervision of Brij Lal, to whom it is dedicated. Brij has been a generous mentor and friend from the beginning. I credit my personal and professional development to Brij’s inspirational example. I would not be where I am today without the love and support of Brij, Padma and his family.

This research was made possible with financial support from The Australian National University and the Australian Government. Thank you to my friends and colleagues at the ANU School of Culture, History and Language, who shared their ideas and experiences with me. In addition, I am grateful to a number of scholars who generously gave their time to assist me—thank you Angela Woollacott, Vicki Luker, Max Quanchi, Ryota Nishino, Kirstie Close, Paul D’Arcy and Stewart Firth.

The support services provided by the staff of archives and libraries in Australia and the Pacific have been crucial to this research. This includes the National Library of Australia, the State Library of New South Wales, the Noel Butlin Archives Centre, the Barr Smith Library and the National Archives of Fiji, in whose spaces I spent countless hours. A special thanks also to Kylie Moloney and Ewan Maidment of the Pacific Manuscripts Bureau for providing inspiration along the way.

I have been fortunate to continue my research while working at the University of the South Pacific for the last five years. I am grateful to the staff and students of the School of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Arts, Law and Education for this precious time. Vinaka vaka levu and fa’afetai tele lava for the memories.

Thank you to my ever supportive family, my grandparents, Aunty Joyce, Mum, Dad, Emily and Stephen. You have always encouraged me to chart my own path, even if it has taken me far from home. Finally, to my wife Makayla, I owe everything. Thank you for your compassion, patience and unwavering love on this journey.