Dr Suliana Mone
Meet Suliana, a remarkable individual whose journey has woven together the rich tapestry of her Pacific heritage with a passion for law and human rights.
“Fakafeta’i kia Sihova he ‘oku lele Ia, ‘oku tolonga ‘o ta’engata ‘ene ‘alo’ofa.
Fakatapu moe ‘Afio ‘ae ‘Otua Mafimafi. Fakatulou atu.”
Introducing herself to the first class of any course she teaches, Dr Suliana Mone begins with these words in Tongan. Acknowledging the presence of the divine and all others present and listening, they are words she heard her father, Rev. Dr. Fisi’ihoi Mone, speak many times.
Born in Fiji and raised in Tonga, Suliana's family roots run deep in the villages of Folaha, Fua’amotu, Nukunuku, Holonga, Houma Vava’u, and Ha’ano Ha’apai.
Her educational journey began at Queen Salote College in Tonga, where she excelled as Deputy Head Prefect and graduated as the Dux with Maamaloa Loumaile (Highest Honors). However, Suliana's path led her beyond Tonga's shores. She immigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand with her family during her teenage years, allowing her father to complete a doctorate in Education at the University of Waikato.
Suliana pursued her academic ambitions, earning Bachelor and Master of Laws degrees at the University of Waikato before embarking on an adventure to France. Earlier this year, she achieved a significant milestone by graduating with a doctorate in law from Te Piringa Faculty of Law at Waikato University.
Suliana's academic journey has not only been marked by her personal accomplishments but also by her dedication to serving her community. During her doctoral studies, she lectured on various legal subjects and served as the Convenor for Pacific Engagement, bridging the gap between the university and the wider Pacific community.
Her research focus is on international law, human rights, women's rights, and Pacific law, particularly exploring the resistance to adopting the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in the Kingdom of Tonga. Suliana's work sheds light on how patriarchal structures have hindered progress in women's rights.
Now a respected lecturer at Auckland Law School, Suliana continues to make a significant impact on her students while taking on important roles as Assistant Dean (Moana Oceania) and a supervisor for research related to Pacific law. Her journey is not without challenges, as she carries the memory of her late father and his legacy, which inspires her to be an advocate for improving the lives of women in Tonga and the broader Pacific community.