Susana Liekina Ki Auckland Fihaki
1st-year student, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Construction Engineering
She wants to be part of creating safer, stronger and more resilient infrastructure for Tonga and Pacific communities, says Susana Liekina Ki Auckland Fihaki who came to AUT as an international student from Tonga, supported by a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship.
“My journey into civil engineering wasn’t a straightforward one. I originally trained and worked as a registered nurse, but I wanted to pursue my passion for construction, engineering and design. I had the opportunity to work on a major construction project in Tonga – the Queen Salote International Wharf repair and extension project – where I gained hands-on experience as an assistant engineer, and later as a site engineer. That experience made me realise that I wanted to deepen my technical knowledge and become a qualified engineer. I chose civil construction engineering because I enjoy seeing ideas turn into something real and lasting. Infrastructure has such an important impact on communities.
“I chose AUT for my studies because of its practical and industry-focused approach to engineering. I wanted to study somewhere that wouldn’t only give me strong theoretical knowledge but also help me understand how engineering is applied in the real world. I’m only in my first year but have already participated in a networking opportunity where I could meet people from different companies. This experience showed me how diverse the construction industry is.”
While she is only in the early stages of her studies, she already has a good idea how she sees her future after graduation.
“I’d love to work as a civil engineer involved in infrastructure development, particularly projects that have a meaningful impact on communities. In the long term, I hope to contribute to infrastructure development in Tonga and the wider Pacific. I’d like to be involved in projects that improve transportation, climate resilience, water infrastructure and other essential services.”
Enjoying new challenges
Susana says she has enjoyed challenging herself.
“Returning to study after working in both healthcare and construction has pushed me outside my comfort zone, but it has also reminded me that it’s never too late to pursue a new goal. Coming to New Zealand as a Manaaki scholar has given me the opportunity to experience a new learning environment, meet people from different cultures, and build relationships with students and professionals from across the Pacific and beyond. AUT has given me the confidence to believe that I can continue learning, challenge myself and create opportunities not only for myself but also for my family and community.”
She is enjoying studying in Auckland and New Zealand.
“One of the things I’ve enjoyed most is being exposed to a multicultural environment. Auckland is home to people from many different cultures, and as a Pacific Island student I’ve appreciated being able to maintain my cultural identity while also experiencing a new environment. I’ve also enjoyed learning about New Zealand’s approach to infrastructure, engineering and sustainability. Coming from Tonga, I see many opportunities to take what I learn here and apply it to the needs and challenges of Pacific Island communities.”
Advice for other students
Susana has some great advice for other students, especially those who are considering a career change.
“Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to start again. Your journey doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. I came into engineering after working in another profession and after gaining experience in the construction industry. There were times when I questioned whether I could manage university, family responsibilities and everything else that came with starting over. If I can do it, you can do it too.”
She wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT to others.
“I’d recommend AUT to anyone who wants a university experience that combines academic learning with practical and real-world applications. I’ve found AUT to be a diverse and welcoming environment where students from different backgrounds can learn from one another. For Pacific students especially, studying at AUT can be a valuable opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that can be taken back home and used to contribute to our communities.”
