V.Alum 2025

Every year V.Alum tells the stories of our vibrant community at Te Kauhanganui Tātai Ture. We hope you enjoy this mid-year update. Please take a few minutes to read about our wonderful research, alumni achievements, and Faculty celebrations. Happy reading!

Professor Geoff McLay

Dean of Law

Cover image credits: Tāne Te Ohanga—iconic mural in Tawa, Wellington, by street artist Poi ‘TECHS’ Ngawati, 2020. Learn more or visit @techs_x on Instagram.
A man in the upper left corner and the words 'Haere mai from our dean' on the right.

Welcome to V.Alum 2025 from the Dean of Law

Professor Geoff McLay, Dean of Te Kauhanganui Tātai Ture—Faculty of Law, welcomes readers to this edition of V.Alum and reflects on the first half of 2025.
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Opinion—Locked up then locked out: how NZ's bank rules make life for ex-prisoners even harder

Not having a bank account can make it difficult to receive wages or a benefit, as well as rent accommodation, writes Victoria Stace.
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Fulfilling a dream to work in the Middle East

Even while still in high school, Te Herenga Waka law alumna Natasha Sax knew she wanted to work in the aid sector and had a strong interest in the Middle East.
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How a top flight litigation lawyer got back his zest for life

Daniel Kalderimis tells us about his experience with depression and how he turned to philosophy to help him find meaning in his life again.
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The power of bringing the real world into the lecture theatre

Mark Cunliffe’s goal is to prepare law students to hit the ground running when they enter the workforce.
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Lecretia Seales Memorial Lecture in Law Reform

The Lecretia Seales Memorial Lecture is given in honour of lawyer and law reform advocate, alumna Lecretia Seales.
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New faces at the Faculty

With no shortage of dedicated and accomplished staff members at the Faculty of Law, we are excited to introduce five new lecturers into the law school whānau.
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Celebrating our May 2025 graduates

Graduation season is a very special time for Te Kauhanganui Tātai Ture—Faculty of Law, with most law students opting to graduate in the May ceremony.
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Life at the Faculty—a busy start to the year

We began the year with a very special highlight—the publication of three significant new books by some of our longest-standing colleagues.
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Remembering Bob Dugan

Bob Dugan was a beloved lecturer of commercial and company law at Te Herenga Waka, whose influence has had a lasting impact.
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Remembering Virginia Grainer

Virginia Grainer, the first woman to be Dean of Te Kauhanganui Tātai Ture, has died. 
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Faculty of Law colleagues remember Neil Cameron

Professor Yvette Tinsley and Dr Warren Young pay tribute to their esteemed friend and colleague, Neil Cameron.
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Your legacy can last another lifetime

The ongoing success of the Frank Healy Scholarship in Law demonstrates how a bequest can support the University community for generations to come.
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A chance to win our alumni giveaway

Enter the competition to win a bundle of five books written by our talented Faculty of Law staff and alumni. Avid readers won't want to miss out!