Bachelor of Science graduate Angela Lani Ah Sam-Tuiafiso left Sāmoa to study at Waipapa Taumata
Rau, University of Auckland on a Manaaki Scholarship three years ago.
She crossed the stage on 22 September, aware that the most difficult part of her journey was being
far from home and away from family.
Her father Salā Sagato Tuiafiso (Leauvaa, Vailele) and mother Fanua Ah Sam Tuiafiso (Fagalii)
travelled to Auckland for Angela’s big day.
The Environmental Science graduate grew up in Fagalii under the care of her grandparents, whose
values of faith, service and respect shaped the person she is today. Her graduation reflects the power
of educational pathways such as the Manaaki Scholarship that enable Pacific students to gain world-
class qualifications enabling them to contribute to their communities and nations.
“My journey through university has never just been about getting a degree for myself,” she says. “It
has been about making my family proud, making the most of the opportunities I’ve been given, and
gaining knowledge and experiences that I can ultimately use to contribute back to Sāmoa and the
wider Pacific.”
Angela attended Sāmoa Primary School before progressing to Sāmoa College, where her passion for
science began to flourish. She later completed a foundation year at the National University of Sāmoa
before earning a Manaaki Scholarship, which enabled her to continue her tertiary studies at the
University of Auckland.
She says the time away from Sāmoa became a period of remarkable personal growth.
“When I think about the person I was when I first started university, I realise how much has
changed,” she says. “I became more disciplined, more independent and more confident in my ability
to learn.”
Her interest in environmental science was shaped in part by her father, a meteorologist, and by the
realities facing Pacific Island nations.
“In Sāmoa, climate change is a very real threat. That made me want to understand the science behind
these issues, but also to explore how I could use that knowledge in a way that was meaningful to me
and our communities in Sāmoa.”Studying environmental science has reinforced for Angela the importance of Pacific voices in
conversations about climate change, sustainability and the future of Pacific communities.
“As a Pacific woman graduating with a degree in Environmental Science, I’m proud to be part of that
representation,” she says. “Our Pacific perspectives and experiences have an important place in
these fields.”
She believes leadership is about creating pathways for others.
“Sometimes leadership is simply having the courage to step into a space, learn from the experience
and make that space a little easier for the person who comes after you.”
Throughout her studies, Angela drew strength from the support of family, friends and the University
community. She found a sense of belonging among fellow Pacific students in her first year and later
through involvement with Pacific initiatives across the University. She is particularly grateful to the
Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific, where she was able to grow as a student leader while
contributing to the wider University community.
Angela acknowledged her faith allowing her to successfully navigate the tertiary environment: “I
thank God for his strength, guidance, and grace throughout my journey.”
Her university years were also marked by personal loss. During her studies, Angela farewelled
beloved grandparents who had played pivotal roles in her upbringing. Despite the challenges of
grieving while studying overseas, she says their love, prayers and values continued to sustain her.
Now, as she looks ahead, Angela’s focus is firmly on giving back.
“I want to gain practical experience in the environmental and climate space in Sāmoa,” she says. “I
came to New Zealand to gain an education and experiences that I might not otherwise have had
access to. I don’t want that knowledge to stay with me. I want to eventually take it back, build on it
and find ways that it can contribute to Sāmoa and Pacific communities.”
While she is still exploring where her career may lead, Angela hopes to one day undertake research
on climate change issues relevant to Sāmoa and the wider Pacific. Graduation marks the beginning of
a new chapter grounded in service, learning and a commitment to her people.
“For me, values like fa’aaloalo and tautua are a big part of who I am,” she says. “This achievement
carries the love, prayers, sacrifices, guidance and support of so many people who have been part of
my journey.”
