It was a proud and nostalgic moment for Joshua Filisi Leung Wai’s parents as they watched their son attain his law degree with honours from the University of Waikato on Monday last week.

A little over 20 years ago, Joshua’s parents, Samoa's successful business couple, Tuatagaloa Aumua Ming and Tofilau Fiti Lafaele Leung Wai graduated with their own law degrees from the same university. 

Two decades later they are even more proud of the fact that their son aims to return to Samoa to serve the people back home, after finishing with flying colours from the same institution.

The young man credits God for the achievement and believes he's made it this far because of the values instilled in him by his parents who have always guided him with good Christian values.

Mr. Leung Wai managed to overcome many challenges including being stuck in New Zealand for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. To overcome that hurdle, he did what his parents had taught him to do, put God first and remain committed to the cause.

“First and foremost, I give all the glory to God as he is the source of all blessings. I am very blessed with the love and support of my parents and family,” he said. “Some even came from Utah for my graduation! It was such a joy to walk the stage and see my wonderful family.”

He was awarded the only law scholarship allocated for Samoa in the 2019 academic year. In the previous year, he topped legal studies at the National University of Samoa's UPY. 

Born and raised in Samoa, where he attended both primary and high school, he comes from the villages of Moamoa, Sapunaoa, Poutasi, Moata’a, Salani and Iva.

In his first year at Waikato University in 2019, he won the top orator award at the Vaka Pasifika Moot which was organised by the Pacific Law Students Association and got the award again in 2021.

Mr. Leung Wai was one of the few law students who graduated with honours. After the third year of legal studies, only the top students are invited to the law honours program which they can do together with or after their fourth year law papers.

The joyous occasion in Hamilton, New Zealand was witnessed by his parents, brothers, grandparents and family members from New Zealand, Samoa and the U.S.A.

According to his aunt, Fuimaono Atamamao Toleafoa, who travelled with her family from Utah for the occasion, it was an honour to witness her nephew’s graduation.

“I am reminded of '3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth'. Joshua exemplifies Christlike attributes with humility and honour to God and his parents, who no doubt are the source of his wisdom and blessings,” said Fuimaono, who is the sister of his mother, Tofilau Fiti.

Another aunt, Tofilau Genevieve Pupi who accompanied his grandmother Nino Stanley Fuimaono from Samoa to the graduation, said their nephew was an inspiration to the younger generation of the family.

“I was also blessed that our mother was there and seeing her face when Joshua received his degree was simply priceless. Viia le Alii!” she said.

Also present at the graduation were his grandparents, Pastor Segi Bee and Taituuga Kuinivia Leung Wai.

“I was so humbled to see my family at the graduation ceremony as so many have helped me in different ways, especially during Covid such as my aunts and uncles in Auckland," said Mr. Leung Wai. My hope is to do my best to honour God and to give back to both my family and country.

“I also want to thank the governments of Samoa and New Zealand for the scholarship award.”

Mr. Leung Wai aims to serve his country by returning to the Attorney-General’s Office in Samoa, where he had previously worked part-time as a law clerk in the Prosecutions Division.