Head tutor series—introducing Richard Taylor
Richard Taylor is Head Tutor for Property Law (Laws 301). He came to New Zealand from Canada in the mid-90s to work as a teacher for a year or two, but Aotearoa has now become home for him and his family. He decided to study law because he wanted a new intellectual challenge, and describes it as one of the best decisions he’s ever made.
What have been the highlights during your time at the Faculty of Law?
I have loved my time here—it has given me a new lease on life, so to speak (and as Head Property Law tutor I now understand a little about how leases actually work, in a legal sense!).
In terms of highlights, being a tutor has been great as it allowed me to combine skills and experience from my previous career along with a subject that I love. Also working as the Pasifika Law Student Coordinator last year was a great privilege.
Tell us about your tutoring experience so far.
Tutoring is one of the most enjoyable parts of my day. As part of my own day-to-day study, I spend a lot of time researching, reading and writing on my own. Tutoring is a great way to be able to interact with students and other tutors who are all very clever and motivated individuals.
Before I took the class myself I knew nothing about Property Law, but I really enjoyed the class and found it fascinating—and I still can’t explain why! Fourteen years in a classroom put me in a reasonable position to take on the task of Head Tutor.
What are your plans for the future?
I hope to finish my Bachelor of Law with Honours with the best results that I can, and find a job in an area of law that interests me. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to have a second go at a career. I wouldn’t be here without the support of my wife and family.