Rita Sami

"My research explores how the knowledge and experiences of women, particularly Fijian women, are reflected in the planned relocation strategies at the community and the national level in Fiji.

These laws are fairly new, and the Fijian Government has relocated six Fijian communities as a solution to the impacts of sea level rise and climate change. My work investigates how women's lived experiences and knowledge can be meaningfully included into these strategies as a response to climate change."

Rita Sami is undertaking a PhD in Law, focusing on how planned relocation/managed retreat  policies in Fiji incorporate—or fail to incorporate—the perspectives of Fijian women. Her research draws attention to the gendered and cultural dimensions of climate law, advocating for inclusive frameworks that reflect the realities of communities most affected by climate change.

Why UC?

“I chose UC because of the overwhelming support I received right from the start. The supervisors were genuinely interested in my topic and took the time to speak with me one-on-one before I even applied. That level of support really stood out. UC also offers a lot in terms of resources and training for research students, especially if you’re new to New Zealand or academic research. The environment here is incredibly welcoming and supportive.”

Life as a Research Student at UC

“It’s been an amazing journey. Of course, there have been challenges, but I’ve always felt supported—by my supervisors, other students, the libraries, and the Graduate School. The workshops have been especially helpful. They guide you through every stage of the PhD process, from writing and ethics applications to time management. You’re never left to figure things out alone.”

Support from the UC Graduate School

“The Graduate School has played a key role in my research journey. They offer one-on-one consultations, and they check in on your progress and wellbeing—not just your academic performance. Their workshops are practical and accessible, and they make complex things easier to understand. I think they’re a critical part of a research student’s experience here at UC.”

Supervisory Support

“I’m fortunate to have three amazing supervisors: Professor Annick Masselot, Professor Elizabeth Macpherson, and Professor Steven Ratuva. Their combined expertise in law, gender studies, environmental policy, and Pacific perspectives is exactly what I need. They help me see my research through a Pacific feminist lens, and guide me in understanding how to mainstream gender into legal frameworks. Their feedback and encouragement have been invaluable.”

The Role of Her Scholarship

“I’m a recipient of the UN Sustainable Development Goals scholarship, which has made it financially possible for me to move to Christchurch with my family and focus on my PhD. My research aligns with many of the SDGs, including gender equality, climate action, access to basic resources, and poverty alleviation. Without this scholarship, it would have been incredibly difficult to pursue this path.”

Research Facilities and Resources

“As a research student, I’ve had access to excellent facilities. I have my own desk in the Karl Popper Building, which is accessible anytime. The library staff and IT support have been fantastic—if you need help finding resources or technical support, they’re there. There’s also a strong emphasis on research at the Law School, and the academic writing workshops have helped me transition from legal to academic writing, which was a challenge at first.”

Life in Christchurch

“Christchurch is a beautiful, peaceful place to live and study. The university is close to the city, which makes everything convenient. It’s easy to move around, there’s no traffic stress, and the people are friendly. Moving here with my family has been a great experience, and it’s easy to feel settled and supported.”