A Tongan-raised legal scholar at the University of Auckland has been awarded a prestigious $820,000 fellowship recognising her contributions to Pacific legal research, education and community leadership.
Dr Suliana Mone, a lecturer at Auckland Law School, is among just 20 researchers selected annually nationwide for the Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowship, administered by Royal Society Te Apārangi.
The fellowship provides funding over four years to help outstanding early-career researchers establish themselves as leaders in their fields.
Born in Fiji and raised in Tonga, Dr Mone has family roots in Folaha, Fuaʻamotu, Nukunuku, Holonga, Houma in Vavaʻu and Haʻano in Haʻapai.
Her achievement follows the recent launch of Maamaloa, the university’s Pacific Legal Research Hub, which aims to advance Pacific legal scholarship and strengthen regional research networks.
She was also recognised last year for excellence in teaching.
Honouring father’s legacy
Dr Mone said the fellowship was particularly meaningful because it allowed her to continue the legacy of her late father, Reverend Dr Fisiʻihoi Mone, whose dedication to community service inspired her career.
“Everything I do is grounded in service,” she said.
“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.”
She said her father had served people at the grassroots level, while her own contribution would be through research and education.
“I’m happy that this in a way honours his memory,” she said.
Strengthening Pacific voices
Associate Dean (Pacific) Professor Guy Sinclair praised Dr Mone’s leadership and influence in legal studies.
“Suliana’s work is helping transform the legal landscape by ensuring Pacific perspectives and legal traditions are recognised, researched and valued,” he said.
The fellowship will support Dr Mone’s research into Pacific legal knowledge, greater participation in the justice sector and collaboration among researchers across the region.
“For Pacific communities, representation in research matters,” she said.
“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.”
Inspiring future generations
A mother of two sons, Dr Mone said parenthood had shaped her approach to teaching and leadership.
“I want my sons to see that service and education can create opportunities for whole communities not just individuals.”
She acknowledged the support of her family, colleagues and mentors, including Professor Jodi Gardiner, Dr Charlotte Bennett and Julia Harper-Hinton.
Dr Mone also credited her faith as a foundation of her journey.
“Fakafeta’i ki he ‘Eiki ko ‘eku lea pē ia. Praise and glory to God. God is good.”
She hopes her achievement will inspire more Pacific students to pursue careers in law and research.
“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.”
The Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowship is a government-funded research programme administered by Royal Society Te Apārangi to develop New Zealand’s next generation of research leaders. The $820,000 award, spread over four years, covers salary contributions, university overheads and research expenses, rather than being paid as a personal cash prize.
