“That was a really big moment for me and my family,” says Fono.
“In Sāmoa, opportunities like that mean a lot, not just for you, but for your whole village, so I was very excited to start university.”
But then Covid-19 hit, New Zealand’s borders closed, and Fono’s path was no longer clear.
“I didn’t know when I would actually get to begin, or if plans would change completely,” he says.
Looking back, Fono says the two years between Covid-19 and starting his degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington really shaped him.
“I received my traditional tattoos, which was a big step in my life, I represented Sāmoa in wrestling at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and I hosted a TV trivia show that helped connect people during lockdown.
“Those experiences taught me a lot about discipline, resilience, and perspective, and reminded me that even when things feel difficult, I have the ability to keep going.”
When Fono finally made it to Aotearoa’s capital city, he did so with a different mindset.
“I was grateful, but also aware of the responsibility that came with the opportunity. It hasn’t been a straight path, but every challenge has helped me grow, and I’m proud of the journey so far.”
Growing up in the villages of Sapunaoa Falealili and Safa’ato’a Lefaga, Fono’s childhood was full of peace and connection.
“In our villages, everything is shared, whether it’s crops from my dad’s plantation or gifts from family and friends. It’s just part of our way of life.
“In Sāmoa, we’ve always invested in people, and that sense of community and looking out for one another is something that still stays with me, but at the same time, it’s not an easy life.”
From a young age Fono knew that he would pursue education and work towards a scholarship. A big part of that was seeing the reality of plantation life.
“It’s an honest and noble way of living, but it’s also very physically demanding and unpredictable.
“You can put in so much effort, plant thousands of crops, and then one cyclone can take everything away. Seeing that really motivated me to take my studies seriously.
“Growing up, one thing was always clear to me, education was the path I wanted to take, not just for myself, but for my family as well,” he says.
As soon as Fono left Sāmoa, the journey to return began.
“For me, the impact I want to make starts at home, and hopefully extends across the Pacific.
“The way we understand risk, community, and wellbeing in Sāmoa can be quite different from larger economies. So having someone trained in Actuarial Science, who also understands the local context, culture, and realities can make a meaningful difference in how solutions are designed and applied.”
Fono wants to use the knowledge and skills he has gained at Te Herenga Waka to contribute in a way that is practical and meaningful for his people, especially in areas like financial stability, risk, and long-term planning.
“Many of our communities face challenges that are unique to small island nations, and I believe having people who understand both the technical side and the cultural context is important in finding the right solutions.
“Beyond that, I hope to be someone that younger generations can look at and feel encouraged by. Not because I’ve achieved something special, but because they can see that it’s possible to come from where we come from, face challenges, and still find a way to give back.
“If I can contribute, even in a small way, to building stronger systems, supporting better decisions, and helping our people feel more secure about their future, then I would consider that a meaningful impact.”