Deborah Lawson, New Zealand (PhD) 2009

“I completed my undergraduate degrees in law and philosophy at Otago before taking a break to travel.  Before long, Dunedin called me home to do ‘Profs’ and be admitted to the Bar.  I enrolled in an LLM and intended to look at whether New Zealand should implement mandatory reporting of child abuse.  However, working as a youth solicitor during the course of my LLM research, I became particularly intrigued by the question of whether, and to what extent, adolescents required child protection legislation and policy responses that are distinct from those formulated in respect of younger children.  I upgraded my course of study to a Ph.D and undertook two major empirical studies into the child abuse reporting knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of adolescents, teachers and school counsellors.  My Law Faculty supervisors linked me in with an additional supervisor in the Maths Department to assist with my empirical work.  

During my time at Otago I have been offered many wonderful opportunities to broaden my outlook and sharpen my conclusions through attending and presenting at various conferences, both nationally and internationally.  Additionally, I have enjoyed efficient and responsive support during periods when I have needed to study off-campus.  The passion and commitment of the academic staff is inspiring, and the technical expertise and helpfulness of the library and general staff invaluable.  As I edit my final chapter in preparation for submission, I am incredibly grateful and proud that my postgraduate journey started and ended here.” 

Fanaafi Tagaloa, Samoa (PhD) 2009

“When I found Otago, I found my ‘home away from home’. I am from Samoa, but came to Dunedin to attend secondary school and went onto undergraduate and postgraduate studies here. The great thing about Otago is that the standard and reputation of the university as a whole, and the Faculty of Law in particular, meant that I could get a world-class education in one spot. Although it is often said that variety is the spice of life, there is also much to be said of the stability that can be found when you are fortunate enough to find ‘your place’ and put down some roots.

The PhD programme in the Faculty of Law at Otago is extremely solid thanks to the efforts of the faculty members who continually make their mark on the international scene in their respective fields and exhibit a willingness to continually broaden their research interests. This allowed me to consider among other things, customary land law in Samoa; how it complements or conflicts with Western concepts of property rights and the way forward in the modern era.

The library and the library staff at Otago are second to none in their knowledge and helpfulness. The fact that the faculty offices, the library and other facilities are all centrally located on campus makes the research task that much easier and creates a sense of community among law students here at Otago.”

Abby Suszko, New Zealand (PhD Candidate)

“Being born and bred in Dunedin, there was never any other choice for me in terms of university study. Not because the ease of location, but because of the amazing reputation of New Zealand’s oldest law school. When I enrolled in studies at the Faculty of Law, I found this reputation was well founded.

My PhD is essentially jurisprudential in nature and is an interdisciplinary study between the Law Faculty and Te Tumu (the School of Maori, Pacific Island and Indigenous Studies). I am using the Foreshore and Seabed Debate as a case study to unearth the equality and rights arguments that New Zealanders employ today. Many people ask why I chose to study at the Otago Law Faculty, thinking that my focus on Maori rights would be better served elsewhere. And I reply that it’s simple. My PhD is best served here, the experts are here and I had been lucky enough to develop a rapport with them as an undergraduate that has continued into my postgraduate study. In addition, throughout my studies, the Faculty has provided incredible support in my endeavours, not only providing opportunities related to research, such as the ability to attend conferences and to publish, but also work opportunities.”

Bettina Brandt, Germany (LLM)

“The University of Otago offers a great LLM programme for foreign students who quickly become part of a close scholarly legal community. Professors, who are leading research academics, run an ‘open door’ policy and are readily available. They and the law library staff are extremely supportive. The library offers a large variety of research material, with many online materials. Another bonus is that students can have their own private and quiet place of work, either directly in or in a separate building close to the law library.

Furthermore, the University of Otago offers a wide range of spare time activities (most of them for free). You can hire almost every piece of sports, camping and hiking equipment from the University at a low price, enabling you to explore the breathtaking scenery of New Zealand´s South Island. And what´s more, Dunedin has beautiful beaches, incredible wildlife and other places to explore.”

Wiebke Hederich, Germany (LLM)

“After finishing my studies in Berlin, I was looking for a place to pursue my LLM and improve my English language skills. By choosing to study in Dunedin, I am now spending my time in a student town where it is easy to meet people and which offers excellent research facilities as well as great recreational opportunities. Because campus and recreational areas are close together, it is possible to enjoy oneself while undertaking demanding and time consuming research. I enjoy this variety of life with a morning run in an incredible green forest, research at my workplace right next to the library and going out with friends later on.

As an environmental lawyer who is passionate about nature, I particularly enjoy living next to one of the world’s most unique nature sites. I have seen albatrosses, seals and penguins and am still hoping to see a kiwi on one of my trips.”

Natalie Pierce, New Zealand (LLM)

Natalie Pierce completed her LLB at the University of Otago, as well as a BA in European Studies. She is currently undertaking an LLM in International Criminal Law, addressing issues pertaining to individual criminal responsibility under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. In particular, her research addresses the evolution and treatment of conspiracy at the international level since Nuremberg, the nature and scope of related criminal concepts, and what this means for international criminal justice. Her forthcoming article "Picking up the Pieces: Truth and Justice in Sierra Leone" (New Zealand Journal of Public and International Law) highlights Natalie's passion for International Law and the recognition and protection of human rights around the world. She has recently served as a legal intern at the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and is an active participant in Model United Nations conferences. In 2009, she served as Assistant National Director in the New Zealand Universities Delegation to the Harvard World Model United Nations in The Hague and is currently Judicial Research Counsel at the District/High Court, Dunedin.

In her own words: "I chose to undertake a Master of Laws at the University of Otago for a number of reasons. The Faculty of Law is renowned for its outstanding academic staff, whose teaching and research experience is second to none in this country. Added to this is the sheer enthusiasm exuded by staff and students, which characterises study at Otago. When you study here, you cannot help but become absolutely passionate about research, about law, and about our ability as New Zealanders to take our ideas to the world."

Jeanne Snelling, New Zealand (PhD)

"Dunedin is well known to be a University town and it is great being part of the academic ‘hub’.  The research environment in the law school is flourishing, particularly with the recent establishment of the Legal Issues Centre and the appointment of Dr Colin Gavaghan as the New Zealand Law Foundation Chair in Emerging Technologies.  The latter is particularly exciting for me as my PhD thesis involves analysing the ethical and legal implications of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis—a relatively new medical procedure that enables the diagnosis of genetic traits in an embryo created via in vitro fertilisation.  Not only is Otago University an excellent place for postgraduate study, the region also offers a great lifestyle for families."

Christopher Walshaw, New Zealand (PhD)
The Judicial Process in the Exercise of Statutory Discretions: how does statutory interpretation occur?

Arie Afriansyah, Indonesia (PhD)
State Responsibility in International Environmental Protection