Maori lawyer inspires

Nehsha Moynihan has become a lawyer. Photo / Stephen Parker

A local Maori woman who has achieved her dream of becoming a lawyer says more people in her position "need to recognise their own potential".

Nehsha Moynihan said she wanted to become an example for Maori woman, showing "no barrier is too hard to break through".

Mrs Moynihan was recently admitted to the bar after what she described as a long and arduous journey. "It was an amazing feeling getting to the point and knowing all my hard work had a purpose. But it wasn't easy and at times I definitely felt like I wasn't going to make it through."

Mrs Moynihan said she was "constantly set back with self doubt" when pursuing her dream but persevered so she would be a "good example for my family".

"It was hard because I was one of the first to go to university and I kept questioning whether I actually had the brains to do this.

"When you're sitting in that large lecture theatre surrounded by people who come from academic families or grew up wealthy, it can be really intimidating."

She said her experience was a rollercoaster but felt more Maori woman needed to take the leap.

"I had to make many sacrifices to get through my degree but I have come out the other side and want to show people they can do the same. The odds are stacked against you when you are Maori and a woman but I am proof you can make your own destiny," Mrs Moynihan said.

The former Rotorua Lakes High School student said she had one message - "if I can do it, anybody can". "Nobody knows their own potential, especially when you have been brought up in a small town or nobody in your family has gone to university.

"Have that confidence to pursue you dreams and let go of any voices saying you can't do it."