Danika Schuster

Danika’s choice to study at the University of Auckland was inspired by its outstanding reputation as New Zealand’s leading law school and its location in Tāmaki Makaurau, a city she has proudly called home for over a decade. The city’s vibrant cultural diversity, combined with the university's academic excellence, made it the perfect place for her to pursue her dream of a legal career while staying connected to her roots. "The University of Auckland has always been my dream university," she shares. "It not only offers the top Law School in New Zealand but also embodies the diversity and cultural richness that make me feel at home."

The most valuable aspect of Danika's academic journey has been the connections she has forged with fellow students, lecturers, and mentors. Starting her university education during a time when lectures were primarily online due to the pandemic, Danika quickly realised the importance of in-person interactions for a subject like law, which is inherently about human connections. "Law is human made for humans," she explains. "Teaching law goes beyond content; it's about fostering relationships." Since returning to in-person classes, she has actively engaged with her peers, becoming a class representative for Law 141 and joining the Pacific Island Law Students Association (PILSA), a nurturing environment where she and her peers can explore ways to better their communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Danika’s dedication to service, a core principle of her Samoan heritage, is evident in her achievements and extracurricular activities. As a recipient of the University of Auckland Top Achiever Scholarship, she spent her first year at O’Rorke Hall, where she thrived in the supportive community. Her commitment to giving back led to her selection as a Resident Adviser in 2023, where she could support new students in their transition to university life. Beyond her involvement on campus, Danika has also contributed to her Pacific communities as a Statistics Tuākana mentor and as Registrar for the 2023 Moana Oceania Moot. Additionally, she currently works as a Law121 tutor for the Moana Oceania Academic Initiatives (MAI) Programme, helping to nurture the next generation of Pacific law students.

Danika’s passion for public service extends to her professional experiences as well. During the summer of 2023/2024, she interned with the New Zealand Police in their Policy Department through the Tupu Tai programme. This experience gave her a firsthand look at how public policy decisions can impact marginalised communities, particularly Māori and Pacific peoples. "These roles have shown me the pragmatic implications of studying law and how a Bachelor of Laws can be a powerful tool for change," she reflects. Danika’s career aspirations are fluid, but her purpose remains clear: to serve and uplift disadvantaged communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.

As she progresses through her law degree, Danika finds joy in the learning process itself. Whether it's reading case summaries, engaging in lectures and tutorials, or exploring the foundational principles of New Zealand law, especially Te Tiriti o Waitangi, she is deeply invested in understanding how the law can be improved to better serve all New Zealanders. "To love to study is to love to learn," she says, expressing her belief that education is a lifelong journey.