Noelani Ah Chong crossed the stage to receive a conjoint Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce degree on 4 May, at the Spark Arena, realising her parents long-held dream.
It marked the culmination of moving back and forth between Sāmoa to New Zealand before Noelani (Alamagoto, Salelologa, Safotu and Si‘usega) with parents Joseph Moses Ah Chong and Henrietta Ah Chong finally put down roots in Aotearoa.
The eldest of six siblings, Noelani says she was raised amongst a wide network of extended family; she recalls a period of constantly moving, while her parents worked hard to set up their own home.
“Looking back now, I realise how much kindness surrounded us,” she says. “We always knew we were loved, cared for and that was enough.”
The Ah Chong family settled in Ōtara, Auckland. Noelani points out the many positives of the suburb she has come to love.
“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 communities,” says Noelani.
“Growing up there taught me so much about simplicity, gratitude and the importance of making good choices regardless of circumstance.”
Success built on sacrifice
“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 MALOSI Project and Commerce o’ Pasifika. Through outreach work, she supported younger students, encouraging them to pursue higher education.
“For me, success is not just about personal achievement,” she says. “It’s about encouraging others to believe they are capable and that higher education is possible for them too.”
Central to her journey has always been her faith, which she describes as her foundation in moments of pressure and uncertainty.
“Above all, my faith in Jesus has sustained me. It 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 value in bringing your whole self into every space you enter.”
Noelani hopes her journey contributes 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.
Noelani credits her parents as her greatest support, whose sacrifices, prayers and unconditional love have sustained her throughout her journey. She acknowledged her younger siblings, grandparents, and wider family for grounding her in faith, culture and values. She also paid tribute to the mentors and friends who encouraged her along the way.
Preparing to be admitted to the bar, Noelani carries a 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.”
Press release by the University of Auckland
