Carrying generations forward: A Pacific graduate’s journey to success

Noelani Ah Chong crossed the stage at Spark Arena on 4 May to receive her conjoint Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce, realising her parents’ long-held dream.

Her achievement marks the culmination of years spent moving between Sāmoa and New Zealand, before Noelani (Alamagoto, Salelologa, Safotu and Si‘usega) and her parents, Joseph Moses Ah Chong and Henrietta Ah Chong, finally put down roots in Aotearoa.

The eldest of six siblings, Noelani was raised within a wide network of extended family. She recalls a childhood marked by frequent moves, as her parents worked hard to establish their independence.

“Looking back now, I realise how much kindness surrounded us,” she says. “We always knew we were loved and cared for - and that was enough.”

The Ah Chong family eventually settled in Ōtara, Auckland - a place Noelani speaks of with deep appreciation.

“Ōtara has taught me so much about our communities, our cultures, and the importance of family, faith and resilience within Pacific communities. It’s a place that is often misunderstood, but it’s filled with hardworking families, love and strong community connections,” she says.

“Growing up there taught me the value of simplicity, gratitude, and making good choices regardless of your circumstances.”

Success built on sacrifice

Noelani acknowledged the wealth of family support that enabled her success.

“My journey has never been mine alone. It’s built on the sacrifices of my parents, the prayers of my grandparents, and the love and support of my family and community.”

Throughout her studies, Noelani balanced academic demands with leadership and service. She was actively involved in Pacific student initiatives, including the MALOSI Project - a group of Pacific law students dedicated to educating, empowering and equipping Pacific youth and communities with tools to overcome social injustice, as well as Commerce o' Pasifika, the University’s Pasifika Commerce Students’ Association.

Through outreach work, she supported younger students and encouraged them to pursue higher education.

“For me, success is not just about personal achievement,” she says. “It’s about helping others believe they are capable and that higher education is possible for them too.”

Central to her journey has been her faith, which she describes as her foundation during times of pressure and uncertainty.

“Above all, my faith in Jesus has sustained me. It has reminded me to trust God, stay grounded, and not be overwhelmed by fear.”

Her experience challenges the idea that identity must be reshaped to succeed in academic spaces. Instead, she sees her culture, upbringing and beliefs as strengths.

“You don’t have to leave parts of yourself behind to succeed. There is real value in bringing your whole self into every space you enter.”

Noelani hopes her journey will contribute to greater Māori and Pacific representation in higher education by encouraging others to see themselves as capable and deserving of opportunity.

“If my story can help even one student believe they belong at university, then it has served its purpose,” she says.

She credits her parents as her greatest support, acknowledging their sacrifices, prayers and unconditional love. She also thanks her younger siblings, grandparents and wider family for grounding her in faith, culture and values, as well as the mentors and friends who supported her along the way.

Now preparing for admission to the bar, Noelani carries forward a strong commitment to service, integrity and community.

“My hope is simply to be useful wherever I am placed,” she says. “Service doesn’t stop at graduation - it continues in every space we step into.”