Nu’uali’i Eteroa Lafaele
Young New Zealander of the Year
2025
University of Canterbury
Young New Zealander of the Year
Te Mātātahi o te Tau
Nu’uali’i Eteroa Lafaele
Namulau‘ulu Nu‘uali‘i Eteroa Lafaele (Fogapoa, Leulumoega Tuai, Lefaga) is a globally recognised Samoan leader and software engineer from Cannons Creek, Porirua, forging new pathways to bridge the digital divide for Pacific communities in Aotearoa. As the founder of DigiTautua, she delivered refurbished devices to families in need during COVID-19, and as co-founder of Fibre Fale, she is creating innovative pathways into technology for Pacific people.
Under her leadership, Fibre Fale has made an extraordinary impact in under two years, empowering over 6,650 people through in-person programs and reaching over 3 million people online. Eteroa has led groundbreaking initiatives, including the first Pacific Tech Careers Expo, tech-focused community events, mentorship programs, and leadership camps tailored for Pacific youth.
A celebrated changemaker, Eteroa has received prestigious accolades such as Forbes 30 Under 30 in Social Impact, the Young IT Professional of the Year, and the NZ Hi-Tech Young Achiever Award. Her work, blending cultural insight with cutting-edge vision, has amplified Pasifika voices in tech and inspired the next generation. Passionate about service and innovation, Eteroa is redefining what it means to lead with purpose and heart on both local and global stages.
The leaders of tomorrow, brimming with the potential to build a bright future for Aotearoa. These people strive to improve themselves, their communities, and their nation.
Nominees of this Award must:
- Be aged between 15-30 years, at the open of nominations on 24 July 2024.
- Have had significant positive impact over the past 12 months.
- Be a role model for young New Zealanders and highlight that change is possible at any age.
- Meet the Awards Conditions of Entry.
Judges will review each nominee using the following criteria:
- 10 points: OVERALL INSPIRATION
Describe the person you are nominating and what they’ve done to inspire you over the past year to nominate them as 2025 University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year Te Mātātahi o te Tau. - 10 points: PURPOSE:
Who benefits from this person’s work, contribution, or influence – and how? - 10 points: LEADERSHIP:
How does this person set a positive example for other young people and showing them the potential for change. - 10 points: COMMITMENT:
Describe the commitment of time, risks, and challenges overcome to create an impact to this point (this may still be ongoing). What have they done that has gone above and beyond to show leadership, create change, and give back? - 10 points: PROVEN IMPACT:
How has this person clearly demonstrated a positive impact in their area of influence? How has this been measured? - 10 points: LONG-TERM IMPACT:
If known, how does the nominee plan to grow and/or adapt their work, contribution, or influence in the future? How would winning this award impact this person and the work that they are doing?
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