"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."
