Dr. Tapu-Qiliho earned her PhD in Pacific studies from the University of Otago. She earned an MA with honors in Pacific studies and a BA in sociology and anthropology from the University of Auckland. She worked as academic director for SIT in Fiji from 2005 to 2011.

Dr. Tapu-Qiliho’s current research focuses on gender and development with particular reference to individuals with diverse sexual orientation and gender identity expressions. She has experience working in the CSO sector in Fiji and helped found two local NGOs that specialize in conflict transformation and peacebuilding in the Pacific. She also has experience working with the Pacific Conference of Churches as a lecturer at the Pacific Theological College. Her voluntary work has concentrated on issues such as HIV and AIDS, poverty alleviation, youth and women’s empowerment, and advocacy and community engagement.