Pacific leadership woven into graduation milestone

Tristan Tongi Petelo Ah-Sui’s graduation from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, marks a collective triumph for his family and wider Pacific community.

Crossing the stage on 8 September with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Tristan reflected on a journey shaped by sacrifice, service, and the strength of his family. As the second youngest of ten children, he challenges individualistic narratives, embracing a Pacific worldview where leadership is communal and legacy-driven.

“There’s a saying I’ve held onto since my first year,” says Tristan. “Pacific leadership is weaving a fala (traditional mat) you know you’ll never lay on, but you’re content - knowing one day your children will.”

Born to Gaono Ah-Sui Ah-Sui and Tutongi Tafiti, Tristan’s heritage spans Sāmoa, Tonga, China, and the Solomon Islands. His father hails from Vailele and Salelavalu, and his mother from Saleilua Falealili.

Named after his mother and paternal grandfather, he’s among the very few from his extended family to earn a university degree.

Based in Pukekohe, Tristan’s parents have literally been the driving force behind his academic studies.

“It’s been hard-going for us, we’re from Pukekohe, there have been some days he’s needed a lift to come into the city - it’s an effort that has paid off today! We’re proud of him," says his father Gaono Ah-Sui Ah-Sui.

“For our aiga, this is a moment we have been waiting for,” says Tristan.

Younger brother TJ is currently completing his final semester of a commerce degree at the University of Auckland. With an older brother already having crossed the stage, it could make them a trio of graduates - fulfilling the dreams both parents carried, when they moved to Aotearoa in the 1970s and 80s.

Tristan’s parents set their own aspirations aside to support him and his siblings. He says his father has been a great provider, while his mother's studies were put on hold to raise and support them. Their home also became a multigenerational haven for others, embodying the Pacific principle of tautua (service).

“We didn’t have much, but that never stopped my parents from serving whenever they could,” Tristan recalls.

“I’ve come to truly understand the meaning of ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ - because I am that child.”

His academic journey began in high school, where he attended a presentation by the University’s Schools and Community Engagement Team, later joining Dream Fonotaga, a camp founded by the late Fa’anānā Efeso Collins.

Through UniBound, he discovered a cohort of Pacific students who made university feel like home.

“The University had already opened its doors to us, made space for us and made us believe we belonged.”

Despite the support, Tristan faced challenges - leaving home at 18, the passing of his nana during exams, and the loneliness of living away from family.

“There’s a silent pressure that comes from knowing your journey isn’t just yours, that you carry your family’s hopes and dreams with you.”

Tristan’s leadership blossomed through service. He became a student ambassador for the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific, co-founded the Village Arts Association, and received both a University of Auckland Blues Award and the Sunpix Pacific Peoples Emerging Leader Award.

He also travelled to Korea and Japan through the 360 International programme.

“Outside of our Pacific circles, leadership is rooted in individualism - where success is something personal and owned,” Tristan explains. “But that’s not how we lead as Pasifika. Our leadership is collective. It’s about moving with purpose and making sure that we don’t rise alone.”

He honoured his grandparents Gaono Taumaoe Ah-Sui and Masina Ah-Sui (paternal), Tuilealiifano Tepa Tafiti and especially his late nana Taulagia Tafiti (maternal) who raised him alongside his mother.

“I carry you with me on the stage as an ode to your tautua and the great sacrifice you have made for us. My degree is yours.”

He also acknowledged his many friends and high school teachers: Mr and Mrs Faitala, Mrs Tangi, Mrs Pole, Ms Manoa, Mr Eason, Mr Bean, and Miss Lalakai (RIP).

His academic journey was buoyed by University mentors and staff:
Dr Marcia Leenen-Young, Dr Patrick Thomsen, Dr Therese Lautua, Dr Sarah McLean-Orsborn, Pacific Health Wayfinders manager Rennie Atfield-Douglas, doctoral candidate Zoe Henry, deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Sili Ropati, Tai Tonga Head of Campus Tangatakiikii Pauline Teura'atua-Rupeni, Professional Teaching Fellow Sharon Televave, Unibound manager Sara Toleafoa, Schools and Community Engagement Pathways manager Katalina Ma, lecturer Josephina Tamatoa, and Bex Toloa from Te Papa Manaaki.

Now working in the University’s Careers, Development and Employability Services, Tristan is looking ahead to further study.

“Education is about having options and the ability to choose. My university journey has been so inspiring, and I don’t think it’s ending here.”