Samoa's former Supreme Court Judge, Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren is the first Pacific woman to be appointed Professor of Law by the University of Waikato. 

A press statement issued by the New Zealand university confirmed the appointment and described as a "landmark moment" for the Pacific in New Zealand marking a meaningful step towards greater diversity and representation in academia. 

Professor Tuala-Warren was one of two appointments announced by the university which include Unaisi Narawa of Fiji who has been appointed a lecturer at the law faculty.

Bringing a wealth of interdisciplinary research into indigenous identity, Ms Narawa also takes on the additional role of Convenor for Pacific Engagement.

The former Samoan Supreme Court Justice recently resigned from the local bench to return to New Zealand. 

Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pacific, Dr Keakaokawai (Keaka) Varner Hemi, said these appointments highlight the talent coming from Pacific communities and are a landmark moment for New Zealand as a Pacific nation.

"Both of these women are very accomplished and bring a wealth of experience working in the law in Pacific jurisdictions, with Pacific communities on things that matter to Pacific people," he said. "We are excited to welcome them as role models and experts who will support our commitment to incorporating the knowledge and perspectives of Indigenous peoples."

Professor Tuala-Warren is the first Pacific woman in New Zealand to attain the prestigious law professorial position. She boasts an impressive career spanning 26 years, encompassing roles in practice, academia, policy, and the judiciary.

Notably, she served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Samoa from 2016 to 2023, becoming only the second woman to achieve this distinction. Professor Tuala-Warren also holds a special place at the University of Waikato, having been part of the law faculty and receiving an esteemed Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022.

Professor Tuala-Warren said that she is looking forward to engaging with law students and getting them excited about working in the field of law. 

"I am humbled to be the first female of Pacific descent to receive a law professorship in New Zealand," she said. "I hope I can inspire other young women growing up in the Pacific Islands to consider the field of law."

While Ms Narawa is an accomplished legal professional with a Bachelor of Law from the University of the South Pacific, where she was admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor. 

She also holds a Master of Law and postgraduate qualifications in legislative drafting and tertiary teaching. She has held positions in Nauru as a senior government lawyer for the Department of Justice and Border Control and, most recently, as Legislative Counsel for the Parliament. Ms Narawa also has over a decade of academic experience and has just submitted her PhD at the University of Queensland in Australia.

Ms Narawa says she chose to work at the University of Waikato due to its commitment to building more engagement with the Pacific and its Pasifika staff and students.

"I wanted to be a part of that commitment to education and learning," she said. "I'm looking forward to sharing my knowledge and collaborating to put more focus on Pasifika legal issues. I see this new role as one where I can learn and grow and use my skills to make an impact both within the University and across the Pacific."