Community leaders in South Auckland are praising a Samoan Niuean student for overcoming extraordinary circumstances to pursue her education.
Te'i Tuiasau, a 4th year student at Manukau Institute of Technology, is a former child of the state, abuse survivor, now - solo mother of three and a straight A student.
Tomorrow, she'll be awarded the New Horizon Women's Trust Award, an award given to women who have been given a second-chance at life through education.
Indira Stewart visited Te'i Tuiasau's classroom to hear her inspirational story.
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Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly