Professor Nicola Wheen, Our People, Faculty of Law

BA LLM(Otago)

Contact

Tel +64 3 479 8866
Office 9th Floor - 9N11
Email nicola.wheen@otago.ac.nz

Teaching

Nicola teaches and convenes Public Law, Environmental Law and International Environmental Law.

Research interests

Nicola's research interests include environmental law, public law, Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi, and international environmental law.

She is also a member of the Coastal People: Southern Skies collaboration that connects communities with world-leading, cross-discipline research to rebuild coastal ecosystems.

Coastal People: Southern Skies

Background

Nicola joined the Faculty as a student in 1984.

Photo: IUCN Academy of Environmental Law Colloquium, Baltimore 2012, courtesy of the University of Maryland.

Publications

Wheen, N. R. (2026). The United States Marine Mammal Protection Act: Improving State law to reduce fishing-related mortalities of marine mammals: The New Zealand/Māui dolphin experience. International Journal of Marine & Coastal Law. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1163/15718085-20261035 Journal - Research Article

Wheen, N. (2025). The stultifying effect of the elaboration of Treaty Principles clauses in New Zealand legislation. Public Law Review, 36, 196-201. Journal - Research Article

Wheen, N. (2025). Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary. In D. R. Rothwell, E. T. Bloom, S. Lalonde & J. McGee (Eds.), Elgar concise encyclopedia of polar law. (pp. 424-426). Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar. doi: 10.4337/9781035300112.00135 Chapter in Book - Research

Wheen, N. (2024). Environmental law('s) problems: The law and fishing-related mortalities of New Zealand sea lions and dolphins. Otago Law Review, 18(2), 279-294. Journal - Research Article

Wheen, N. R., & Hayward, J. (2024). Treaty principles clauses: Past, present and future. In M. Stanton Turei, N. R. Wheen & J. Hayward (Eds.), Te Tiriti O Waitangi relationships: People, politics and law. (pp. 42-59). Wellington, New Zealand: Bridget Williams Books. Chapter in Book - Research

2026

Journal - Research Article

2025

Chapter in Book - Research

Journal - Research Article

Wheen, N. (2025). The stultifying effect of the elaboration of Treaty Principles clauses in New Zealand legislation. Public Law Review, 36, 196-201.

2024

Edited Book - Research

Stanton Turei, M., Wheen, N. R., & Hayward, J. (Eds.). (2024). Te Tiriti O Waitangi relationships: People, politics and law. Wellington, New Zealand: Bridget Williams Books, 255p.

Chapter in Book - Research

Hayward, J., Stanton Turei, M., & Wheen, N. R. (2024). Introduction: Tiriti O Waitangi relationships. In M. Stanton Turei, N. R. Wheen & J. Hayward (Eds.), Te Tiriti O Waitangi relationships: People, politics and law. (pp. 1-10). Wellington, New Zealand: Bridget Williams Books.

Journal - Research Article

Wheen, N. (2024). Environmental law('s) problems: The law and fishing-related mortalities of New Zealand sea lions and dolphins. Otago Law Review, 18(2), 279-294.

Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles

Wheen, N., & Geddis, A. (2024). New Zealand plans to put big developments before the environment. That's dangerous. The Guardian, (22 April). Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/22/new-zealand-plans-to-put-big-developments-before-the-environment-thats-dangerous?

2023

Chapter in Book - Research

Castellino, J., & Wheen, N. R. (2023). Waitangi Tribunal / Te Roopu Whakamana i te Tiriti o Waitangi (New Zealand). In L. Stan & N. Nedelsky (Eds.), Encyclopedia of transitional justice (Vol. 3). (2nd ed.) (pp. 636-641). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/9781108678537

Castellino, J., & Wheen, N. R. (2023). New Zealand. In L. Stan & N. Nedelsky (Eds.), Encyclopedia of transitional justice (Vol. 2). (2nd ed.) (pp. 430-437). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/9781108678537

Other Research Output

Wheen, N. (2023, September). Environmental law(‘s) problems. University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. [Inaugural Professorial Lecture].

2022

Chapter in Book - Research

Wheen, N. R. (2022). Sustainability, indeterminacy and the abdication of environmental responsibility. In S. Bookman, E. Willis, H. Wilberg & M. Harris (Eds.), Pragmatism, principle, and power in common law constitutional systems: Essays in honour of Bruce Harris. (pp. 59-77). Cambridge, UK: Intersentia. doi: 10.1017/9781839702709.006

Wheen, N. (2022). Contemporary environmental institutions and policy-making. In M. Bargh & J. L. MacArthur (Eds.), Environmental politics and policy in Aotearoa New Zealand. (pp. 127-150). Auckland, New Zealand: Auckland University Press.

2021

Journal - Research Other

Wheen, N. (2021). Editorial. Resource Management Theory & Practice, 6-11. [Editorial].

2020

Journal - Research Article

Rodriguez Ferrere, M. B., & Wheen, N. R. (2020). Shark Experience Ltd v PauaMAC5 Inc: Missed opportunities? New Zealand Universities Law Review, 29(1), 181-196.

2019

Journal - Research Article

Wheen, N., & Baillie, H. (2019). GMOs, pests and participatory and representative democracy in decision-making about GM activities in New Zealand. Asia Pacific Journal of Environmental Law, 22(2), 257-276. doi: 10.4337/apjel.2019.02.04

2018

Edited Book - Research

Strack, M., Wheen, N., Lovelock, B., & Carr, A. (Eds.). (2018). Riverscapes: Research essays on the social context of southern catchments of Aotearoa New Zealand. Dunedin, New Zealand: University of Otago, 102p.

Chapter in Book - Research

Wheen, N. (2018). Southern catchments and the evolution of New Zealand's environmental law. In M. Strack, N. Wheen, B. Lovelock & A. Carr (Eds.), Riverscapes: Research essays on the social context of southern catchments of Aotearoa New Zealand. (pp. 31-46). Dunedin, New Zealand: University of Otago.

Chapter in Book - Other

Wheen, N. R. (2018). The protection and conservation of ecosystems and species. In P. Salmon & D. Grinlinton (Eds.), Environmental law in New Zealand. (2nd ed.) (pp. 909-980). Wellington, New Zealand: Reuters.

Journal - Research Article

Wheen, N. R. (2018). International Whaling Commission (IWC). Yearbook of International Environmental Law, 29, 495-505. doi: 10.1093/yiel/yvz041

Wheen, N. (2018). Shark cage diving and hunting, killing and catching wildlife under the Wildlife Act 1953. Resource Management Journal, (November), 14-18.

2017

Chapter in Book - Research

Wheen, N. (2017). Squid Fishery Management Company Ltd v Ministry of Fisheries CD 39/04, 7 April 2004: Judgement. In E. McDonald, R. Powell, M. Stephens & R. Hunter (Eds.), Feminist judgements of Aotearoa New Zealand: Te Rino: A two-stranded rope. (pp. 370-387). Oxford, UK: Hart.

Journal - Research Article

Baillie, H. M., & Wheen, N. (2017). Public participation and genetically modified organisms. Resource Management Journal, (November), 22-25.

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Powell, R., McDonald, E., Hunter, R., Stephens, M., Gattey, E., Wheen, N., … Mize, S., … Ruru, J., & Hori Te Pa, M. (2017, December). Feminist judgments: Feminist judgements of Aotearoa New Zealand Te Rino: A two-stranded rope. Panel discussion at the Law and Society Association of Australia and New Zealand (LSAANZ) Conference, Dunedin, New Zealand.

2016

Journal - Research Article

Wheen, N. R. (2016). International Whaling Commission (IWC). Yearbook of International Environmental Law, 27, 540-547. doi: 10.1093/yiel/yvx075

Wheen, N. R. (2016). Marine protected areas in the exclusive economic zone: UNCLOS or the TPPA's looming presence? Otago Law Review, 14(2), 351-359.

Wheen, N. R. (2016). Sea change: The Resource Legislation Amendment Bill's proposed amendments to the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012. Resource Management Journal, August, 13-17.

2015

Chapter in Book - Research

Wheen, N. R. (2015). The protection and conservation of ecosystems and species. In P. Salmon & D. Grinlinton (Eds.), Environmental law in New Zealand. (pp. 855-920). Wellington, New Zealand: Thomson Reuters.

Journal - Research Article

Wheen, N. (2015). Undermining conservation? The 2013 changes to the Crown Minerals Act 1991, s 61 and Schedule 4. Resource Management Journal, (August), 10-14.

Journal - Research Other

Wheen, N. R. (2015). [Review of the book Focus on resource management law]. Resource Management Journal, (April), 22-23. [Book Review].

2014

Edited Book - Research

Warnock, C., & Wheen, N. (Eds.). (2014). Environmental legislation handbook 2014. Wellington, New Zealand: Thomson Reuters, 1337p.

Chapter in Book - Research

Warnock, C., & Wheen, N. (2014). Introduction. In C. Warnock & N. Wheen (Eds.), Environmental legislation handbook 2014. (pp. 2-28). Wellington, New Zealand: Thomson Reuters.

Journal - Research Article

Wheen, N. R. (2014). International Whaling Commission (IWC). Yearbook of International Environmental Law, 25(1), 613-622. doi: 10.1093/yiel/yvv056

Other Research Output

Somerville, R., Baker-Galloway, M., Page, P., Wheen, N., & Warnock, C. (June 2014). The King Salmon soiree [Panel discussion]. Faculty of Law, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. [Department Seminar].

2013

Chapter in Book - Research

Wheen, N. (2013). An updated history of New Zealand environmental law. In E. Pawson & T. Brooking (Eds.), Making a new land: Environmental histories of New Zealand. (pp. 277-292). Dunedin, New Zealand: Otago University Press.

Journal - Research Other

Wheen, N. (2013). [Review of the book Environmental law for a sustainable society]. Resource Management Journal, (August), 32-33. [Book Review].

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Wheen, N. (2013). Treaty of Waitangi settlements and environmental governance and management in New Zealand. Proceedings of the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law Annual Colloquium. Retrieved from http://iucnacademy2013.org.nz/papers/

Wheen, N. (2013). From people and environment to state: A history of Environmental Law in New Zealand. Proceedings of the Australia New Zealand Law and History Society (ANZLHS) Conference: People, Power and Place. Retrieved from http://www.otago.ac.nz/law/conferences/anzlhs.html

2012

Edited Book - Research

Wheen, N. R., & Hayward, J. (Eds.). (2012). Treaty of Waitangi settlements. Wellington, New Zealand: Bridget Williams Books, 283p.

Chapter in Book - Research

Wheen, N. R., & Hayward, J. (2012). Conclusion. In N. R. Wheen & J. Hayward (Eds.), Treaty of Waitangi settlements. (pp. 201-203). Wellington, New Zealand: Bridget Williams Books.

Wheen, N. R., & Hayward, J. (2012). The meaning of Treaty settlements and the evolution of the Treaty settlement process. In N. R. Wheen & J. Hayward (Eds.), Treaty of Waitangi settlements. (pp. 13-25). Wellington, New Zealand: Bridget Williams Books.

Journal - Research Article

Warnock, C., & Wheen, N. (2012). Sex work in New Zealand: The re-importation of moral majoritarianism in regulating a decriminalized industry. Canadian Journal of Women & the Law / Revue Feemes et Droit, 24(2), 414-438. doi: 10.3138/cjwl.24.2.414

Wheen, N. R. (2012). How the law lets down the 'down-under dolphin': Fishing-related mortality of marine animals and the law in New Zealand. Journal of Environmental Law, 24(3), 477-497. doi: 10.1093/jel/eqs017

2011

Journal - Research Article

Wheen, N., & Ruru, J. (2011). Providing for Rāhui in the law of Aotearoa New Zealand. Journal of the Polynesian Society, 120(2), 169-182.

2009

Journal - Research Article

Wheen, N. R. (2009). Legislating for indigenous peoples' ownership and management of minerals: A New Zealand case study on pounamu. Management of Environmental Quality, 20(5), 551-565. doi: 10.1108/14777830910981212

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Wheen, N. (2009, July). Combating climate change: A new role for wildlife corridors? Verbal presentation at the University of Otago Research Cluster for Natural Resources Law Open Symposium: The Future of Public Conservation Lands and Waters? Dunedin, New Zealand.

2008

Chapter in Book - Research

Wheen, N. R. (2008). Waitutu block and Tutae-Ka-Wetoweto indigenous forests. In K. Bosselmann, R. Engel & P. Taylor (Eds.), Governance for sustainability: Issues, challenges, successes. (pp. 227-235). Gland, Switzerland: IUCN.

Wheen, N. R. (2008). Hector's and Maui's dolphins. In K. Bosselmann, R. Engel & P. Taylor (Eds.), Governance for sustainability: Issues, challenges, successes. (pp. 237-246). Gland, Switzerland: IUCN.

Journal - Research Article

Warnock, C., & Wheen, N. (2008). Climate change, wildlife movement and the law: A case study from New Zealand. Commonwealth Law Bulletin, 34(3), 527-550. doi: 10.1080/03050710802038379

2007

Journal - Research Other

Wheen, N. R. (2007). [Review of the book Foreshore and seabed]. Otago Law Review, 11(3), 513-522.

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Wheen, N., & Warnock, C. (2007, December). Climate change and wildlife management. Verbal presentation at the International Forum on Environmental Legislation and Sustainable Development: The Launch Ceremony of 'A Corpus of Foreign Environmental Laws', Beijing, China.

2005

Journal - Research Article

Wheen, N. R. (2005). Belief and environmental decision-making: Some recent New Zealand experience. Journal of Environmental Law & Practice, 15(3), 297-317.

Journal - Research Other

Wheen, N. (2005). [Review of the book Differential treatment in international environmental law]. Otago Law Review, 11(1), 149-150.

2004

Edited Book - Research

Hayward, J., & Wheen, N. R. (Eds.). (2004). The Waitangi Tribunal: Te Roopu Whakamana i te Tiriti o Waitangi. Wellington, New Zealand: Bridget Williams Books, 296p.

Chapter in Book - Research

Wheen, N. R., & Ruru, J. (2004). The environmental reports. In J. Hayward & N. R. Wheen (Eds.), The Waitangi Tribunal: Te Roopu Whakamana i te Tiriti o Waitangi. (pp. 97-112). Wellington, New Zealand: Bridget Williams Books.

Journal - Research Article

Wheen, N. R. (2004). Genetic modification, risk assessment, and Maori belief under New Zealand's Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996. Asia Pacific Journal of Environmental Law, 8(3-4), 141-176.

2003

Chapter in Book - Research

Wheen, N. R. (2003). Environmental law: The research facility. In J. Dawson & N. Peart (Eds.), The law of research: A guide. (pp. 105-132). Dunedin: University of Otago Press.

Wheen, N. R., & Adams, J. (2003). Environmental law: Field work. In J. Dawson & N. Peart (Eds.), The law of research: A guide. (pp. 133-154). Dunedin, New Zealand: University of Otago Press.

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Wheen, N. R. (2003). Belief and environmental decision-making. Proceedings of The Courts and the Environment - serious issues: Environmental and Resource Management Law Intensive. (pp. 85-97). Wellington: New Zealand Law Society. [Full Paper]

2002

Chapter in Book - Research

Wheen, N. R. (2002). A history of New Zealand environmental law. In E. Pawson & T. Brooking (Eds.), Oxford Environmental Histories of New Zealand. (pp. 261-274). Melbourne: Oxford University Press.

Journal - Research Article

Wheen, N. R. (2002). Fairness and indigenous forests law in New Zealand. Asia Pacific Journal of Environmental Law, 7, 7-24.

Wheen, N. R. (2002). Foul play? Government and the SILNA forests. New Zealand Journal of Environmental Law, 6, 279-296.

2001

Journal - Research Article

Wheen, N. R. (2001). Desperate remedies and the West Coast sawmillers. New Zealand Universities Law Review, 19, 351-366.

Wheen, N. R. (2001). The SILNA saga continues: Guest editorial. Butterworths Resource Management Bulletin, 1-4.

1998

Journal - Research Article

Wheen, N. R., Juric, B., & Holt, A. (1998). Satisfaction with environmental perspectives: Survey results. Environmental Perspectives, 20, 9-11.

Journal - Research Other

Wheen, N. R. (1998). The RMA: A "tool of social engineering?" Environmental Perspectives, 18, 5-9.

Wheen, N. R. (1998). [Review of the book International environmental law, policy and ethics]. Environmental Perspectives, 19, 10.

1997

Journal - Research Article

Wheen, N. R. (1997). The Resource Management Act 1991 - A "greener law for water"? New Zealand Journal of Environmental Law, 1, 165-198.

Wheen, N. R. (1997). A natural flow: a history of water law in New Zealand. Otago Law Review, 9, 71-110.

1996

Journal - Research Article

Wheen, N. R. (1996). Seizing the shore: Falkner v Gisborne District Council. Bill of Rights Bulletin, (1), 2-8.

1995

Journal - Research Article

Wheen, N. (1995). The angle grinder, the swastika, and the airport: Resource management and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990. Bill of Rights Bulletin, 4, 54-60.