Pacific legal scholar awarded prestigious Future Leader Fellowship

Auckland Law School academic Dr Suliana Mone has been awarded a prestigious Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowship, recognising her outstanding contributions to legal research, teaching excellence and leadership in advancing Pacific scholarship in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Awarded to just 20 researchers across Aotearoa each year, the fellowship provides $820,000 over four years from Royal Society Te Apārangi to support exceptional early-career researchers as they establish themselves as leaders in their disciplines.

Dr Mone, a lecturer at Auckland Law School, has become one of the country's leading Pacific legal scholars, combining academic excellence with an unwavering commitment to strengthening legal research, education and opportunities for Pacific communities. 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.

The award caps off a remarkable period for Mone. She recently founded and launched Maamaloa, the University's Pacific Legal Research Hub, which aims to elevate Pacific legal scholarship across the region, strengthen research capability and provide a platform for Pacific voices within the law. Last year she was recognised for excellence in teaching, earning acclaim from students and colleagues alike for her innovative, student-centred approach to legal education.

The fellowship is both a professional milestone and a personal one says Mone.
Her commitment to law and service follows a path originally forged by her late father Rev. Dr Fisi’ihoi Mone, whose values, leadership and dedication to community continue to inspire her work today.

"Everything I do is grounded in service," says Mone. "This fellowship honours not only the work I have undertaken so far, but also the sacrifices and support of those who came before me. I carry my father's legacy with me every day.

“My father served our people at the grassroots, that was his purpose. I've been given this huge opportunity to continue his legacy, serving our people through research and education. I'm happy that this in a way honours his memory.”

A proud Pacific scholar and devoted mother of two sons, Mone has balanced a demanding academic career while raising her children. She says her experiences have strengthened her determination to create pathways for future generations of Pacific students and researchers.

"Being a parent has shaped the way I lead, teach and undertake research. I want my sons to see that service and education can create opportunities for whole communities not just individuals."

Colleagues say the fellowship recognises Mone's unique ability to connect scholarship with community impact.

Associate Dean (Pacific) Professor Guy Sinclair says Mone has already established herself as an influential voice in Pacific legal studies.

"Suliana’s work is helping transform the legal landscape by ensuring Pacific perspectives and legal traditions are recognised, researched and valued. This fellowship acknowledges her exceptional leadership and the significant contribution she is making to both legal scholarship and Pacific communities."

Through the Mana Tūāpapa Fellowship, Mone will continue research focused on strengthening Pacific legal knowledge and supporting more Pacific participation in legal scholarship and the justice sector.

The fellowship also positions her to build on the momentum generated by Maamaloa, helping grow a vibrant network of Pacific legal researchers and strengthening connections across the Pacific region.

"For Pacific communities, representation in research matters," says Mone. "The law shapes every aspect of people's lives. Ensuring Pacific voices are contributing to legal knowledge and policy development is critical for achieving more equitable outcomes."

Village behind her success

Mone acknowledged the village behind her success at the University, crediting the support, encouragement and faith of family, friends and colleagues for helping her thrive academically and personally.

“I’ve been fortunate to have the support of my mentor, Professor Jodi Gardiner, along with Dr Charlotte Bennett, Julia Harper-Hinton and many others at the Law School. I'm grateful for their encouragement and wisdom.”

Mone also expressed deep gratitude to her family for their unconditional love and encouragement, acknowledging Alex, Leon, Sione, Nunia and Poi for being there throughout her journey. Grounding every aspect of her life is her faith.

“Fakafeta'i ki he 'Eiki ko 'eku lea pē ia. Praise and glory to God. God is good.”

As she looks ahead, Mone hopes the fellowship will help inspire the next generation of Pacific legal scholars.

"I want young Pacific people to know there is space for them in research and in the law. Our stories, experiences and knowledge belong in these spaces."