Backing young women into the legal profession.
Talioaiga Foundation provides scholarships and mentoring to young women at South Auckland high schools who aspire to become lawyers, helping create a genuine pathway into the legal profession.
The Name
Answer of the family.
The Samoan word "Talioaiga" loosely translates to "answer of the family." The name reflects the journey of many of our scholarship recipients, who are often the first in their family to pursue higher education or enter the legal profession. In this sense, they become the answers to their families and communities. It captures the Foundation's purpose: supporting students who become agents of change in their communities and their own families.
Founder Tali grew up in South Auckland and went on to become a commercial lawyer. For years she rarely saw a Pacific or Māori face in the rooms where decisions were made. The Talioaiga Foundation exists so the next young woman does.
Behind every recipient is someone who chose to give.
To the trusts, companies and individuals considering us: your contribution is never a line in a budget. It pays a final year of school, and puts a young woman in the room where law is practised. You invest in the next generation of professional leaders, and in families changed for good.
- Every contribution is tied to a named student and a clear purpose.
- You see exactly where your support goes, from school fees to graduation.
- A registered New Zealand charity, run with a lawyer's eye for accountability.
What every recipient receives
Funding opens the door. Mentoring, preparation and exposure carry her through it.
Year 13 school fees
We cover the final year of school so cost is never the reason a door stays closed.
One on one mentoring
Every recipient is mentored personally by Tali who knows the path and walks it alongside her.
University preparation
Guidance through applications, scholarships and the leap into tertiary study.
Inside the profession
Real exposure to law firms, courtrooms and the people already doing the work.
Representation matters. When a young woman sees someone who shares her name and her street succeed in law, a career stops feeling impossible and starts feeling inevitable.
Law is more than determining right from wrong. Law is about service; to your client, to your family and to your village.
SOANA TUTOE
Talioaiga Foundation Scholarship recipient 2024/2025
Invest in the next generation of professional leaders
When you support the Talioaiga Foundation, you fund school fees, mentoring and the quiet belief that changes a family's future. Donors and partners make every scholarship possible.
Thinking about applying? This is for you.
We know the first step is the hardest. If a career in law feels out of reach, that is exactly why we exist.
For young women
You do not need connections or a family of lawyers. You need curiosity, determination and the willingness to be supported. We cover your final year of school, match you with a mentor, and stand beside you into university and the profession.
For aiga and families
Supporting a daughter, sister or cousin into law can feel unfamiliar. We walk the journey with your whole family, explaining each step and celebrating every milestone together. Her success becomes your family's, and the answer for those who follow.
Help her believe it is possible.
A scholarship is more than fees. It is proof that she belongs in the room.
Scholarships and mentorship for young women pursuing careers in law. A registered charity in Aotearoa New Zealand (CC64363).
