`Okusitino lectures in Pacific political economy and Pacific arts. His research interests include inter-alia, time and space, culture and history, philosophy and inquiry, education and research, development and governance, modernisation and globalisation, art and literature and transcultural aesthetics and psychology. `Okusitino has published extensively on a range of interdisciplinary topics, including poetry in Tongan, as book chapters and journal articles, and authored, co-authored and co-edited several books.
`Okusitino, with a group of Tongan scholars in and outside of the University, has carried out a number of major research projects in the past two years. One of these projects led to the publication of a book in the Tongan language, entitled Ko e Ngaahi `Ata mei he Hisitolia mo e Kalatua`a Tonga: Ke Tufunga`i ha Lea Tonga Fakaako, co-authored with Tavita Ka`ili and his sister, `Anapesi Ka`ili, who are Tongan PhD scholars in the US.
`Okusitino is regularly involved in a wide variety of activities outside of the University, including social, cultural, artistic and community events. He has organised academic and public conferences, seminars, workshops and meetings, and regularly contributes in radio, television and newspaper media. `Okusitino has also composed poetry and music for public events, and has been awarded numerous Pacific Arts and Creative New Zealand awards.
PISINISI MO E KALATUA BUSINESS AND CULTURE
Fatu `e `Okusitino Mahina Composed and translated by
1. Kuo movete 'i he kolope 1. Diffused throughout the globe
'A e ngaahi tui 'o 'Iulope Are the many beliefs of Europe
Afuhia ai e 'Otu Felenite Sprinkling over the Friendly Isles
'O fele he me'a fai vevele Scattering yet uncompromising
Hake'uta me'a fakatauele Overflowing yet tempting
2. Ko 'ena ha tuinga sisitemi 2. There is a string of systems
He 'ikonômika fio politiki Of economics mixed with politics
Kominusi ê mo e 'olikaki Of communism with oligarchy
Fasisi ha pule fakamâlohi Of facism as a rule of tyranny
Kepitalisi mo e temokalati Of capitalism with democracy
3. Ko e pisinisi mo e kalatua 3. Business and culture
He tâkanga ka kuo fesitu'a They co-exist yet oppose
'Itiolosia 'ena ia e taautaha One, the ideology of individualism
Ka e teoli ê 'o e lûkufua The other, a theory of collectivism
Toki vete 'e he tâ mo e vâ Resolved only by time and space
Tau: Chorus:
Ka ko e hâ nai ha'au lau? But, what is your say?
Fai pê a ha'o fakamaau Make your judgement
'E ma'u pê 'i he feilaulau Acquired only through sacrifice
Ka kumi ê potupotutatau Should you seek harmony
Tala atu ha fonua malu It is in the land of peace
