Introduce yourself and tell us what you do for a job and your pathway to get there.
My name is Salavalasi Su‘a, and I’m a proud Samoan who migrated to New Zealand with my family in 1998. My father is from Sa‘aga, Si‘umu, and my mother is from Sapapali‘i, Savai‘i. I am married to my husband, Graeme Su‘a.
I am the second eldest of five children and the first person in my family to attend university, graduate, and become a lawyer. I was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in 2014 and currently practise as a criminal defence lawyer with PAL 3 Legal Aid approval and as a youth advocate. I joined the private bar in 2023, and operate my own practice in Hawke’s Bay.
My journey to law required resilience, hard work and perseverance. Throughout that journey, my faith in God, my Samoan culture and the support of my family and friends have been the foundation of my success and continue to guide me both personally and professionally.
What brings you joy in your job?
What brings me the greatest joy is helping people access justice and being a voice for them when they need one most. I believe everyone deserves to be heard and treated fairly, regardless of their background or circumstances.
I feel privileged to support people through some of the most challenging times in their lives, particularly within our Pacific and Māori communities. Knowing that a client feels heard, understood and well represented, and that I have made a positive difference for them, is what makes this work so meaningful.
Did you face any challenges to get where you are now?
Absolutely. Being a Pacific Island woman and a minority in the legal profession came with its own set of challenges. There were moments when I felt out of place, when I questioned whether I truly belonged in certain spaces, and when the weight of being the first in my family to pursue a professional career felt immense.
But those challenges became fuel. They pushed me to work harder, to build resilience, and to be intentional about surrounding myself with people who believed in me. My faith, culture, family and support network kept me focused and helped me find my way through every obstacle.
Why did you volunteer to be an Inspiring the Future role model?
I volunteered because I was once one of those young people who felt lost and uncertain about what the future might hold.
Growing up, I did not see many lawyers who looked like me or came from a similar cultural background. I wanted young people to see that success is possible regardless of where they come from or the challenges they face.
I am particularly passionate about encouraging more Māori and Pacific young people to consider a career in law. Their voices matter. Their experiences matter. Their perspectives matter. Our communities are stronger when they are represented in all professions, including the legal profession.
The law shapes many important aspects of our society, and it is important that Māori and Pacific people are part of those conversations and decision-making processes. I want young people to know that they belong in these spaces and that they have the ability to make a real difference in the lives of others through a career in law.
What was the most memorable thing about your Inspiring the Future event experience?
The most memorable moment for me was when a student stood up and said she felt inspired seeing a successful Pacific Island professional standing in front of her.
That moment reminded me why representation matters. Seeing someone who shares your culture, background or experiences can help a young person believe that their own dreams are achievable.
As a Pacific lawyer, I understand how powerful it can be for young Māori and Pacific students to see someone who looks like them succeeding in a profession they may never have considered. Knowing that my story may have encouraged even one student to believe in themselves, pursue further education or consider a career in law made the entire experience worthwhile.