Tony Naea, a BYU–Hawaii graduate from New Zealand, earned his degree in information technology with a minor in business management in 2000. Now based in Melbourne, Australia, he works as a community engagement coordinator supporting youth employment pathways and serves as president of the BYU–Hawaii Alumni Chapter in Australia. His journey reflects the transforming power of education, faith, and service.
Discovering Potential
Born and raised in New Zealand to Samoan immigrant parents, Naea was the first in his family to attend university. “My parents migrated to New Zealand looking for a better future,” he explained. “None of our family had gone to university, and I never thought of myself going to university. I thought I would be playing sports or maybe be a police officer.”
However, everything shifted during his mission in Samoa from 1992 to 1994. “I was never the type for studying, but on my mission, I created habits of studying and learning. I started believing in myself and that I could do more,” Naea shared. Surrounded by companions planning for BYU–Hawaii, Naea decided to take the leap and apply.
Arriving in Laie changed his life. “From day one, I enjoyed the culture, the friends, the spiritual environment, and the leadership opportunities. It was one of the best journeys I’ve had,” he shared. Naea was in the IWORK program and worked at the Polynesian Cultural Center, starting as a canoe boy before joining the night show cast. He also held campus jobs, including working at the post office and as an IT support assistant. “It was a whole package deal,” he reflected. “The confidence, the strength, the skills, and the experience prepared me for everything I do today.”
Spiritual opportunities left a lasting impression, too. Weekly devotionals allowed him to meet and hear from Church leaders. “Those experiences helped me grow my testimony,” Naea recalled.
Love, Family, and Calling to Serve
BYU–Hawaii also became the setting for his love story. Naea met his wife, Annabella, on campus, but their lives had crossed in surprising ways long before. She served her mission in New Zealand and met his family, even visiting his home ward. Years earlier, Naea had unknowingly met her grandfather, a pioneer of the Church in Samoa, during his mission. “We exchanged stories and realized we had been to her family’s home,” he said. “Years later, we connected at BYU–Hawaii and got married in the Laie Hawaii Temple in 2003.”
Today, Naea and Annabella are parents of two grown children, including a daughter who recently returned from serving a mission in the Philippines.
After graduating, Naea pursued a career in IT, then in teaching and training, before finding his calling in the community sector. He now works as a community engagement coordinator, helping young people find employment and educational opportunities. “I’m now talking with politicians, city council members, mayors, and CEOs. I know it was all because God saw potential in me,” he reflected. “All of it stems from the skills and experiences I gained at BYU–Hawaii.”
He has also continued to serve faithfully in the Church, including as a bishop and now as a Sunday school teacher.
Strengthening and Inspiring BYUH Ohana
As president of the BYU–Hawaii Alumni Chapter in Australia, Naea works to connect alumni across a vast country. “One of the challenges is trying to connect with everyone,” he explained. “Our chapter has done a lot of online gatherings and held live interviews with students preparing for BYU–Hawaii. We’re also planning an annual luau in Sydney to bring people together.”
His efforts highlight the importance of building bridges between current students, returning alumni, and prospective students. “It’s about igniting that connection again with people,” he said.
Naea’s commitment to serving others runs deep. “The Lord has blessed us with so many things,” he said. “We have a responsibility to gain knowledge, to magnify our talents, and to help others because we will be judged based on how we serve one another.”
As he looks back on his journey, Naea has some advice for current students: “Enjoy your journey and don’t sweat the small things. Trust in God, and He will always be by your side,” he said. And for those considering BYU–Hawaii but doubting themselves, he offers encouragement: “If you feel you’re not worthy or don’t have the scores or potential, God knows better. Believe in yourself and believe in God who believes in you.”
