It was a proud moment for Punipuao Agnes-Sophia Mariner, 21 years of age from Ululoloa as she graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science at the University of Auckland on 9th December 2025.
Punipuao says this big milestone is a huge blessing which has not been without sacrifice.
“It is such a huge relief and I keep reminding myself that this is just the beginning.. I am excited for what is ahead.”
The young graduate says she studied Health Science because she wanted to give back to her Pacific community in a meaningful way.
“Working in health feels purposeful to me, it’s a path where I can actually support and uplift our people..
“That mission is what kept me going, and knowing the impact I hope to make reminds me that this is just the start of the work I want to do”.
“One dream I have is to grow into a role where I can contribute to real change in Pacific health, to do something about the health inequities our people face..
“I want to be someone who uses my knowledge and experience to support our communities, improve health outcomes for our people, and make an impact that actually matters,” says Ms Mariner.
“Graduating has opened more doors and made me excited for the bigger goals I’m working towards”.
She is continuing with her final semester for Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science next year, and after that she plans to go on to do Masters.
“I want to keep the momentum going and stay committed to this pathway. I’ll take a small break to rest and be with family, but overall I’m focused on furthering my studies.”
Punipuao says she is ready to move into the next stage of her journey and further studies with confidence.
Ms Mariner acknowledged all the challenges and sacrifices her family made to get her to New Zealand.
“I’m most grateful for my parents, Alainuuese Manoo and Alanna Mapu Mariner. They’ve supported every choice I’ve made and have been there for me through the entire journey..
“Even though we live in different countries, they’ve made their support very clear, distance never changed that..
“This achievement would not have been possible without the ongoing counselling, encouragements and tremendous emotional and financial support of my parents, from paying for everyday living costs, our rental apartment for me and my two younger siblings as well as making the trips to NZ to visit us throughout the year..
“Despite the distance, they make sure we are at home for our daily evening family faigalotu (prayer) on messenger video call..
“Each of the siblings and my parents is allocated a day to lead us in prayer, singing the EFKS hymns, reading the Bible and listening to words of encouragements from the Bible and our parents was a source of strength while living in NZ.
“Knowing that they dedicate their Fridays for fasting to uplift us, our education and our family to God is an inspiration and motivates me to study hard, cross the graduation stage and set a good example for my younger siblings to follow..
“Their encouragement and belief in me carried me through the hardest moments..
“I’m also thankful for my siblings, families and the support systems I had like MAPAS, but my parents definitely had the biggest impact. Everything I’m doing now is a reflection of the love and support they gave me, and everything that’s still ahead, feels like just the beginning of what I want to achieve for them and for my community”.
There were challenges in her journey. Moving from Samoa to Aotearoa and adjusting to a new environment was a big one.
Balancing study with life, responsibilities, and personal struggles was not always easy.
“There were moments I felt overwhelmed or unsure, but each challenge taught me resilience and helped shape me into who I am today. Looking back, those tough moments made this milestone even more meaningful”.
O faiva e tapuaia e manuia! Punipiao’s parents would like to acknowledge the village that raised her including her nanna in Samoa Ms Afaitulagi Mapu Mariner, spiritual parents and congregations of EFKS Sapapalii, EFKS Nuufou, EFKS Ululoloa, Livingstone Evangelism Ministry Auckland, uncles, aunties, families and friends.
