Te Piringa - Faculty of Law 20th Anniversary

Wednesday, 20th April

Te Piringa – Faculty of Law celebrated its 20th anniversary of teaching law on Wednesday 20 April.

The afternoon activities included a "Thesis in 5" presentation from current PhD students, campus tours taking in the University's most recent additions - the library and the Academy of Performing Arts - and a lively debate by law students on 'This house believes in the death penalty'. "It's your classic polarizing topic," said Chamanthie Sinhlalage, current student and president of the University of Waikato Debating Society. "It always gets people wound up and it was a good opportunity for current law students to show their debating talent."

Another session included a presentation by student negotiation champions Ben Gilbert and Andy Cameron. The Waikato pair will be representing New Zealand at the international competitions in Denmark in July.

The day's highlight was a Gala Dinner at Hamilton's Kingsgate Hotel. One hundred and fifty past and present staff, alumni and others who've had a long association with the Faculty came along to share memories and reminisce. Dinner speakers included Te Piringa – Faculty of Law graduates Julie Hardaker, now Mayor of Hamilton, and Maori Land Court Judge Craig Coxhead.

Twenty years on, Te Piringa has become a prestigious law faculty and its Dean Professor Bradford Morse aims to capitalise on this success by creating many more exciting opportunities for students and staff.

Photos from the Gala Dinner can be purchased online.