Her Honour was born and raised in Southland and graduated from Victoria University of Wellington. She was a founding member of the first all-Māori and Pasifika law firm specialising in family law and youth justice, which received the Auckland District Law Society’s EEO “Most Innovative” Award in 2000.
She became New Zealand’s first female Pasifika Judge upon her appointment to the Family Court, where she primarily served in both the Family and Youth Courts. In 2013, she was appointed as Samoa’s first Samoan Supreme Court Judge.
Her Honour went on to serve as the Executive Judge of the Manukau Court before being appointed National Executive Judge in 2021. In November 2022, she was appointed Principal Youth Court Judge.
She became New Zealand’s first female Pasifika Judge upon her appointment to the Family Court, where she primarily served in both the Family and Youth Courts. In 2013, she was appointed as Samoa’s first Samoan Supreme Court Judge.
Her Honour went on to serve as the Executive Judge of the Manukau Court before being appointed National Executive Judge in 2021. In November 2022, she was appointed Principal Youth Court Judge.