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.
We are very fortunate to have staff who produce world-leading research and make significant contributions to the world of legal education. But, our staff also brilliantly teach, nurture, and guide our students, bringing joy and life to the Old Government Buildings (OGB).
Our new colleagues bring a wealth of knowledge in a range of research areas, and expertise from international institutions in Australia, Canada, India, and the United States. You’ll hear from Da Lin (corporate governance, securities regulation, and financial regulation), Professor Fiona McDonald (public law and health law), Khushbu Kumari (intellectual property law and patent law), Dr Nikita Melashchenko (international trade law and intellectual property law), and Yvonne Oldfield (employment law).
Some of these faces may seem familiar as staff have returned to us from overseas, have completed their PhD’s here, or even studied at the Faculty of Law as undergraduate students! Fiona is one such example. She says that returning to Wellington after 17 years—and to Te Herenga Waka after completing a Bachelor of Laws—has been a “homecoming” for her.
As you read more about each of them, you’ll notice that they share a deep passion for teaching. While Nikita and Khushbu loved academia from a young age, for Fiona, Da, and Yvonne, a relationship with academia was more of a ‘slow burn’ that has now turned into a lifelong journey. “One of the things I enjoy most about teaching is being able to take what might seem a difficult or unfamiliar concept, and frame it in ways that students can understand,” says Yvonne. “I’ve been particularly impressed by students’ active participation in class discussions and their ability to engage with arguments and analyses in a thoughtful, fair-minded way,” says Da.
It’s also clear that our new lectures already feel very much at home in the Faculty. Khushubu says, “I enjoy working at the Faculty of Law, as it is my alma matter. I found my voice at the Old Government Buildings and I learned to think critically and cultivate my love for the law. It is a home for me.” Likewise, Nikita feels a “sense of belonging and support from colleagues, which makes the Faculty feel like home.”
There’s no doubt that these lecturers will be welcome additions to our community, and we look forward to their journey with us.
Introducing Da Lin
Da Lin grew up in the United States, and dreamed of a career in science. She didn't know she would grow up to discuss banking law reform before the U.S. Senate.
Introducing Professor Fiona McDonald
Professor Fiona McDonald returns to Wellington after more than 17 years overseas in Canada and Australia, and we are very fortunate to have her back.
Introducing Khushbu Kumari
Khushbu Kumari first came to Wellington to study for a PhD, but, her journey to academia began at twelve years old when she attended boarding school in India.
Introducing Dr Nikita Melashchenko
Dr Nikita Melashchenko is not exactly 'new' at the Faculty of Law. He first joined us in 2017 and completed a PhD focused on data governance and digital trade.
Introducing Yvonne Oldfield
Yvonne Oldfield joins the Faculty of Law after a career in employment law, and brings her fascination with the subject and wealth of experience to her teaching.