Masters grad builds Pacific presence in speech and language therapy

University of Auckland masters graduate Roselie Leota says the courage of her parents to forge a new life in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, helped realise the dream of her ancestors.

“This is not just my achievement but the continuation of a legacy, and a dream planted long before me. I am walking in their legacy and sitting in answered prayers,” says Roselie, who graduated with a masters in Speech and Language Therapy Practice on 15 May at Spark Arena.

The married mother of two was born in American Sāmoa. Her parents, Fepulea’i Fomeni Fa’asuamaleaui and the late Malia Ivoga Lata-Fa’asuamaleaui, moved to Aotearoa New Zealand seeking greater opportunities. Roselie (Leulumoega, Āmaile, Salea'aumua, and A'ufaga) was six when they made the move.

“I was raised in the heartiest part of South Auckland – ‘275 Māngere’. If you’ve seen the film Tinā, you’ve caught a glimpse of my childhood,” she says, referring to the film’s main character who rose from humble beginnings.

“When they first arrived, my parents worked as cleaners, labouring tirelessly to build a better future for me and my six siblings.”

A close-knit family, the children often accompanied their parents to work –sometimes helping, sometimes waiting in the car. Later, her father became a bus driver while her mother became the first in the family to attend university, earning a Bachelor of Education while working night shifts at a Mt Wellington factory.

“My parents were driven by love and deep faith. They made sure our Christian values were not only taught but lived.”

Roselie initially pursued teaching, completing a Bachelor of Education. But during her final year – amid the Covid-19 pandemic – a placement at a low-decile school revealed a gap in the curriculum.

“There was little preparation for working with neurodiverse learners, and even less support for teachers,” she says.

This led her to explore speech and language therapy, and she was accepted into a masters programme. A year in, she and her husband Peniamina Leota learned their youngest son would need extra support.

“He was diagnosed with autism. That first year gave me tools to support him –and a deeper sense of purpose.”

She took a gap year to support his transition into primary school. “I wanted to be present, to advocate for him and help build the foundation he needed.”

Returning to full-time study while managing family life was tough. There were frequent school calls, and staff sometimes misunderstood her son’s needs –like his use of noise-cancelling headphones during heavy rain.

“I’ve spent countless hours in meetings, writing emails, making phone calls –working closely with teachers and the principal to create a more supportive environment.”

She often questioned whether she’d finish. There were daily commutes, expensive parking, and rushing between university and school.

“I’d arrive late to class and leave early. I never knew what I’d missed; it was tough!”

Sometimes she drove across town late at night just to find a quiet study space.

“Tai Tonga campus closed early, so I’d drive from Māngere to Kate Edger, or Grafton just to study.

“So yes, undoubtedly the highlight of my academic journey has been completing it.”

She thanked the village that helped her cross the stage to be capped, but first and foremost thanked god. 

“And to my aiga (family) thank you – your love, prayers, and quiet strength have carried me through every season of this journey.  Whether near or far, your support has been the steady foundation beneath my feet." 

She made special mention of her husband, who kept her positive and helped give her space to study. "When I felt like giving up, you reminded me of my purpose.” 

As well as her teachers and staff at Tai Tonga and the Mana Toa team, she said her supervisor, Dr Elaine Ballard, demonstrated patience and belief in her: “Your deep passion for Pacific people and your steady guidance carried me through.”

Roselie said she learned a lot from the people who shared their stories with her for her research. "I know it wasn’t an easy ask, especially given how few Pacific speech language therapists there are in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

“Their voices have not only shaped this project but have added depth to who I am – both personally and in my journey becoming a clinician."