Professor Petra Butler to become Dean of Law at University of Canterbury
Te Kauhanganui Tātai Ture―Faculty of Law at Te Herenga Waka―Victoria University of Wellington warmly congratulates Professor Petra Butler on her appointment as Amo Matua | Executive Dean Law at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury.
Professor Butler joined our Faculty of Law in February 2000 and rapidly established herself as a committed teacher and excellent researcher, building on her common law and civil law qualifications. She developed a cutting-edge research and engagement profile in Human Rights and Commercial Contract law which later broadened out to include a strong focus on the Indo-Pacific region. She is the Director of the Institute of Small and Micro-States, and a Fellow of the British Institute of International and Comparative Law.
Professor Butler took on the role of Acting Dean and Interim Head of School for the Faculty of Law between 2021 and 2022. While in this role, she guided the Faculty through numerous challenges such as COVID-19 impacts, the occupation of the law school, and structural change. She also helped to establish Te Komiti―an advisory committee within the Faculty of Law, dedicated to Māori and Pasifika staff―and a Rainbow Student Advisor.
Having taught across five continents, Professor Butler has used her network of international connections to forge relationships and foster collaborations with governments, international law firms, and diplomatic missions to create opportunities for international and domestic students alike.
During her time at Victoria University of Wellington―and more recently as Associate Dean, Academic Programmes―Professor Butler has actively contributed to the development of interdisciplinary teaching programmes and to extending pathways for international students to study at Te Herenga Waka.
As a valued and committed member of the Faculty, Professor Butler has shown collegiality and manaakitanga towards students, colleagues, and visitors alike.
Hai-Yuean Tualima, a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Law, says, “Petra has been a welcoming colleague and always willing to help and support Pacific students in their law studies and prospective careers. Last year, she was instrumental in facilitating an international internship with a focus on international trade for Pacific students with Sidley Austin LLP in Geneva.”
Professor Geoff McLay agrees that Professor Butler’s career to date has been impressive, but it is her enthusiasm, care, and collaboration that will define her time at the Faculty.
“Petra gives one hundred percent of herself, whether it is working on new courses and initiatives or conducting her research around the world. More importantly, Petra has always believed in working together to get the best out of the Faculty and its students. That care and energy are what she will take with her to Canterbury.”
Professor Butler will begin her appointment at the University of Canterbury on 5 February 2024. We wish Professor Butler the greatest success in her future career.