26/07/2024
Waikato appoints NZ’s first Pacific Dean of Law
22 Jul 2024
Leilani Tuala Warren web
The University of Waikato has appointed Professor Tafaoimalo Tologata Leilani Tuala-Warren as Dean of Te Piringa Faculty of Law, making her Aotearoa’s first Pacific Dean of Law.
Professor Tuala-Warren is looking forward to using her new position to strengthen ties with Pacific peoples.
Law is an ‘aiga business for the Tualas, and Professor Tuala-Warren worked at her older brothers Alvin and Siaki’s firm, Tuala & Tuala Lawyers in Samoa, early in her career.
Professor Tuala-Warren has since held many senior roles over her 26-year career, including becoming the second ever woman to be a Supreme Court Justice of Samoa.
With two matai titles - Tafaoimalo from Satalo, and Tologata from Pata - Professor Tuala-Warren’s Samoan background is an important component of her career path. It also informed her master’s thesis, for which she looked at ifoga, a Samoan form of dispute resolution used to offer remorse and seek forgiveness.
‘Aiga is a constant source of inspiration for Professor Tuala-Warren.
“My family, particularly my late father, have always driven me throughout my law journey. This achievement is not mine alone; I carry with me the essence of my heritage, my family, friends, villages, church community and judicial colleagues in Samoa.
“I carry the aspirations of an entire nation with me, and I hope to make them proud, while also serving the people of Aotearoa.”
In her new role, she hopes to reinforce the university’s already-strong relationships with Pacific communities.
“The University and the Pasifika community have always had a strong relationship, consistently producing high-achieving Pasifika graduates who excel globally, especially in the Pacific region.
“I am dedicated to strengthening those ties with all Pacific nations and the Pacific-descendant population within Aotearoa.”
