Daughter of Samoa returns

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 10 August 2016, 12:00AM

Waikato University Law graduate, Theresa Momoisea, is the newest member of the local bar after she was admitted yesterday.

Justice Lesatele Rapi Vaai presided over the ceremony, which welcomed the lawyer. 

Ms. Momoisea was presented to the bar by Ladesha Stevenson while Tafailagi Peniamina appeared on behalf of the Samoa Law Society to confirm the admission. Justice Lesatele welcomed the new lawyer and congratulated her.

For Ms. Momoisea, yesterday was the realisation of a dream.

“I wanted to continue the work by my grandfather who was the former President of the Land and Titles Court, the late Momoisea Tagaileono Imoa,” she said. 

Speaking through tears, Ms. Momoisea thanked her family, especially her parents for their support. She also thanked Trevor and Anna Stevenson for their support.

The daughter of Momoisea Eteuati and Silia Momoisea of Vaito’omuli Palauli and Vaivase- Tai,  Ms. Momoisea was born in Samoa but grew up in New Zealand. 

In 2011, she graduated from Waikato University with a Bachelor in Sports and Leisure. But she continued her studies and in 2013, she graduated with a Bachelor in Law. She was admitted to the New Zealand bar in 2014. 

“I always wanted to come back to Samoa to serve my family, village and church but most importantly my parents,” she said. 

Her proud mother, Silia Momoisea, said her daughter’s decision to return has made them extremely happy.  “Most children when they go to New Zealand they don’t want to come back,” she said. “Fortunately, she wants to come back and we are extremely delighted.”

Her father, Momoisea Eteuati was equally proud.

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 10 August 2016, 12:00AM
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