Tafaoimalo Tologata Professor Leilani Tuala-Warren Photo: University of Waikato
The University of Waikato says two new appointments, including New Zealand's first Pacific woman to be appointed a Professor in Law, marks a meaningful step towards greater diversity and representation in academia.
Tafaoimalo Tologata Professor Leilani Tuala-Warren, who was formerly a Supreme Court Justice in Samoa, has been appointed a Professor of Law.
At the same time, the law faculty has appointed Fijian Unaisi Narawa as a lecturer and as the Convenor for Pacific Engagement.
Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pacific, Keakaokawai Varner Hemi, said these appointments highlight the talent coming from Pacific communities, and is a landmark moment for New Zealand as a Pacific nation.
"Both of these women are very accomplished and bring a wealth of experience working in the law in Pacific jurisdictions, with Pacific communities on things that matter to Pacific people," she said.
"We are excited to welcome them as role models and experts who will support our commitment to incorporating the knowledge and perspectives of indigenous peoples."
Tafaoimalo boasts a career spanning 26 years, since graduating from the University of Waikato.
It has encompassed roles in practice, academia, policy and the judiciary.
Her time on the Supreme Court of Samoa from 2016 to 2023 included the court's involvement in the country's political crisis following the disputed election in 2021.
"I am humbled to be the first female of Pacific descent to receive a law professorship in New Zealand. I hope I can inspire other young women growing up in the Pacific Islands to consider the field of law," Tafaoimalo said.
Narawa is an accomplished legal professional with a Bachelor of Law from the University of the South Pacific.
She is presently nearing the end of her PhD at the University of Queensland.
Prior to that she held positions in Nauru as a senior government lawyer for the Department of Justice and Border Control and, most recently, as Legislative Counsel for the Parliament.
Unaisi Narawa Photo: University of Waikato