In their own words.
Every scholarship recipient carries the same weight: she is often the first in her family to walk this path. These are their words, in their final year of the Talioaiga Scholarship programme.
Being part of this Scholarship Programme introduced me to many different areas of law I didn't know about.
At first, I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this scholarship program but through monthly check-ins with our mentor, Tali, and opportunities such as court observations, I have gained valuable insight into the legal profession and different areas of law I was unfamiliar with.
These experiences have strengthened my interest in law and I am incredibly grateful for the guidance, encouragement and support I have received through the Talioaiga Scholarship. I am excited to say that this opportunity has helped me become more confident with what I want to do in this new chapter in my life as I step into tertiary study.
FRANELI LEOTA
Talioaiga Foundation Scholarship Recipient 2025/2026
TOREKA TITO
Talioaiga Foundation Scholarship
Recipient 2025/2026
Being a part of this Scholarship Programme has been such a blessing.
Having Tali as a mentor helped me better understand the study and practice of law, while equipping me with the skills and guidance to work towards becoming the best lawyer I can be. Seeing a strong Pasifika woman thriving in an industry I had once viewed as male-dominated was particularly inspiring. It showed me what is possible and strengthened my desire to follow a similar path. I hope to one day be one of many Pasifika women making their mark in law!
The Talioaiga Scholarship has been an incredible blessing and an eye-opening journey that has strengthened my sense of purpose and reinforced why I want to pursue a career in law.
Through my regular check-ins with Tali, inspiring guest speakers, including a criminal lawyer, presentations exploring different areas of law, and our visit to the Manukau District Court, I gained a deeper understanding of the legal profession and what happens beyond the classroom. I discovered that law extends far beyond politics and legislation, opening my eyes to the many pathways a career in law can offer. These experiences have strengthened my motivation to pursue a career where I can use my knowledge and skills to give back to my village.
KRISTINE WRIGHT
Talioaiga Foundation Scholarship Recipient 2025/2026
KALALA TOEAVA
Talioaiga Foundation Scholarship
Recipient 2025/2026
My experience with the Talioaiga Scholarship gave me a glimpse of what a future career in law could look like, particularly as I aspire to become a family lawyer.
The Talioaiga Scholarship was an unforgettable experience that helped me build connections with my peers and grow in confidence. I learnt about different areas of law, had one-on-one Zoom meetings with Tali, and had the opportunity to visit the Manukau District Court. I will carry the knowledge, skills and experiences I gained through the Talioaiga Scholarship with me to university, where I hope to continue challenging myself and striving for excellence.
Being part of the Scholarship Programme this year has been an incredibly valuable experience.
From our regular check-ins with Tali and guest speakers to visiting the Manukau District Court, I have gained a deeper understanding of the legal profession and it has strengthened my passion for law. On a personal level, Tali has played an important role in helping me believe in myself and my career pathway, especially during moments when I doubted whether I was capable of pursuing law. Her encouragement has helped me see that I can achieve this goal. Next year, I hope to study a conjoint degree in Law and Arts at the University of Auckland, carrying the confidence and lessons I have gained through this programme with me.
PAI FAASISILA
Talioaiga Foundation Scholarship
recipient 2024/2025
CHARLITA AGAFILI
Talioaiga Foundation Scholarship
recipient 2024/2025
Being part of the Scholarship programme this year has been an amazing opportunity.
We had regular online check-ins with Tali, visits from guest speakers, and even got to go to the Manukau District Court where we sat in on real courtroom trials. These experiences have only made me more passionate about studying law. Next year, I'm planning on studying a conjoint degree in Law and Psychology at the University of Auckland.
My journey through the Talioaiga Scholarship Programme has supported me in many ways.
The mentoring I have received through this scholarship has given me a significant amount of insight into the realities of studying law at university as well as first-hand experience of working in the law.
Tali, as well as the other guest speakers, have helped me mentally prepare myself for the challenging but worthwhile journey of becoming a lawyer by sharing their own experiences, struggles and successes. Through this programme, one valuable lesson I have learnt is that law is more than just determining right from wrong. Law is about service; service to your client, service to your family and service to your village
SOANA TUTOE
Talioaiga Foundation Scholarship
recipient 2024/2025
LOSALINE ALATINI
Talioaiga Foundation Scholarship
recipient 2024/2025
Being part of the Talioaiga Scholarship programme was such an
enjoyable experience.
It wasn’t just about writing heaps of essays or learning about how hard the law is; it was fun, and I genuinely looked forward to the sessions, especially the trips. I loved the deep discussions and the way we could look at topics from different perspectives.
It pushed me to think more deeply and aim higher in my studies. The whole experience made me realise how much I enjoy thinking about the bigger picture, justice, and my community, and it helped confirm that I want to study law in the future.
I have had the privilege to be a recipient of this wonderful scholarship.
Visiting court and getting to see what we would be possibly doing in the future, exclusive talks with people working in law firms or who are currently studying law at university, this scholarship allowed me to tick my boxes of uncertainties about whether this career path is the right one for me, which is why I 100% endorse and recommend that you expose yourselves to this wonderful opportunity and give it a try because you never know!
MARYANNE NIUKAPU
Talioaiga Foundation Scholarship
recipient 2024/2025
The support offered by Tali and her Scholarship not only provided me with financial support but also strengthened my longstanding desire to pursue a career in law.
This has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. Before engaging with Tali and her programme, I thought that being a criminal defence lawyer was what I wanted to do, but after being within the presence of a court gallery, seeing families await trial and hoping for the best, it made me realise that my true calling was in family law. Through Tali and her Scholarship, she has empowered me to take on this journey of pursuing a career in law.
RESSIE LEOTA
Talioaiga Foundation Scholarship
recipient 2024/2025
Her story could be next.
Every scholarship starts with someone who chose to give.
Scholarships and mentorship for young women pursuing careers in law. A registered charity in Aotearoa New Zealand (CC64363).
