Postgraduate Student Profiles

Angus Senior, LLB / BSocSci, LLM

Background:
Law student Angus Senior was dismayed to find that in this day and age human trafficking still exists, and it was finding out about this horrific form of slavery that prompted him to focus on transnational organised crime for his masters degree.

Experience as a Waikato Student:
"I suppose I could have gone anywhere for my masters, but my undergraduate experience at Waikato was great, with approachable and supportive staff, and I was confident that their masters programme would be world class too. When studying for his Bachelor of Laws at Waikato, Angus completed a semester in Belgium on a student exchange. As luck would have it, he met his future wife there. She was from Slovakia and also on a student exchange.

Challenge:
From a legal perspective, Angus says part of the difficulty in solving organised transnational crime is the difference in laws from nation to nation, and that makes it difficult for law enforcement officials to build a case against a transnational criminal group. "It's a fascinating subject," says Angus, "and one day I'd like to work in this field."

Currently...
"My research is broader than human trafficking. I decided to investigate how the international community perceives transnational organised crime, including activities as diverse as weapons and drug smuggling to wildlife smuggling operations."His research will also cover what's being done to combat it. "Different countries have different perceptions of what organised crime actually is, and in many cases it's associated with mafia-type organisations. But the reality is that it's much more complicated and can be better described as criminal networks that organise themselves to take opportunities to exploit illegal markets. Rather than being ethnically-based, the criminal networks morph depending on the skill sets required for a particular operation."

Arturo Fonseca Andere, PhD

Background:
New Zealand's water pollution issues are serious, but nowhere near as extreme as Mexico's where 96 percent of surface fresh water is polluted. Arturo Andere Fonseca is an environmental lawyer from Mexico who's at Waikato Law School to study legal aspects of lake protection for his PhD, attracted here by major lake restoration research being carried out by Waikato University.

Experience as a Waikato Student:
Arturo says New Zealand feels like home now and he's receiving great support for his research at Waikato. "My supervisor is an eminent professor, and I think my research has been enhanced by the ongoing motivation I receive. I feel proud to be enrolled at Waikato, and that my work, my expertise and knowledge is valued. It's considered a 'taonga' or treasure."

Currently...
Arturo is studying different legal characteristics of successful market-based regulations such as nutrient trading schemes, to prevent what's known as eutrophication of lakes - when lakes receive excess nutrients that stimulate excessive plant growth. "I'm doing a comparative study of legal methods being used for lake protection in New Zealand, Mexico, Finland and the United States. I think I can learn a lot in New Zealand, and also from Finland where their work into lakes restoration is quite advanced too," says Arturo. He says every country approaches the problem differently even when the issues are the same or similar. There are many areas for conflict, he says. "Different values between the parties involved, issues of property allocation and social justice." His PhD supervisor, Professor Barry Barton, says the research will be useful for New Zealand too. "A cap-and-trade system has obtained a considerable measure of acceptance for the Taupo catchment, and shows promise for the Rotorua lakes. But they are legally more complex than ordinary regulation, and we need research like Arturo's to work our way through the issues."

Achievements:
To help him with his study, Arturo received a $3,500 Postgraduate Study Abroad Award from Education New Zealand.

Asena Can, LLM

Background:
I obtained my degree in Law in Cologne, Germany. After my bar exam, I started my MBA for Lawyers in Kiel, Germany. As part of the MBA I had the opportunity to go abroad, so I decided to go to the University of Waikato and to do an LLM programme. I have chosen to do the LLM as it will broaden my horizons and improve my knowledge in International Law, while introducing me to the Common Law System. This programme will enable me to work internationally and to assess arising legal problems more accurately, in English. This is exactly what I need for daily work and my long-term career.

Experience as a Waikato Student:
The academic staff, as well as the library staff at the Law School, are very professional and supportive. I especially appreciate the wide range of research resources offered by the University of Waikato, for example, there are numerous free tutorials for writing academic papers and using research databases and other various services. The University campus is set in a beautiful environment offering lakes, cafes and sport grounds for recreation. There are also a lot of activities for international students offered by the International Students Centre like day excursions, weekend trips in both the local region and to other cities.

I find Hamilton perfect because it is central and I have been able to travel from here easily. In my first six weeks I have been to Auckland, beaches in the Coromandel peninsula, the Glowworm Caves at Waitomo and Rotorua.

Cain Kerehoma, LLM

Consultant
Kahui Tautoko Consulting Ltd

Secondary School:
Te Aute College (Hawkes Bay)

Experience as a Waikato Student:
There is a strong whanau ethos within the Law School, with the university, staff and students working collectively to produce some of the finest and most talented leaders of tomorrow. Waikato Law School has a growing reputation for producing 'outside the square' thinkers which can be seen by the wide range of sectors that graduates have ended up in.

Challenge:
The balancing act of being a father of three, a hapu and iwi member as well as doing fulltime work. Still find time to watch the All Blacks though!

Currently...
I am currently working as a Consultant for Kahui Tautoko Consulting Ltd in Wellington working across a number of different disciplines and sectors – much of which draws on the skills learnt during my time at Waikato Law School. No reira, nga mihi atu ki te whanau o Te Wahanga Ture.

Hariati Mansor, PhD

Background:
I graduated with an LLB (Hons) from University of Warwick and an LLM from University of Malaya. Before coming to University of Waikato, I was employed as a lecturer at the law faculty, University Teknologi MARA.

Experience as a Waikato Student:
Being in the law faculty at Waikato has provided an opportunity for me to experience diverse and unique learning cultures as well as knowing people from different parts of the world. I am fortunate to have Prof. John Farrar as my chief supervisor and I belief his experience and knowledge will help me a lot in writing my thesis. This gives me valuable experience which can be helpful in my teaching career later on.

While in New Zealand I plan to travel as much as possible to see various places and different culture. A visit to Waitangi has given me valuable experiences and knowledge on how the Treaty of Waitangi came about. It belief this kind of unique culture experiences will assist me in my teaching career later once I complete my Phd.

Hasan Shebaily, LLM

Background:
I graduated from King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Law. I have been working as a lawyer in Saudi Arabia before getting the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz programme for scholarship co-ordinating with Saudi Higher Education Ministry to study for an LLM at the University of Waikato.

Experience as a Waikato Student:
I have learnt a lot about New Zealand’s culture as well as getting a new education and information about Law since 2007. I am happy with all the School of Law staff and encourage other students to study at University of Waikato School of Law.

Future Plans:
In the future, I would like to do my PhD in Law or go back home to find a good job to provide me with the ability to continue my higher education. I then wish to start my own legal company.

Henare Waihape, LLM

Background:
Henare Waihape's future was mapped out from an early age. Largely raised by his Kuia, Henare was told he was going to do something useful with his life, "and you didn't argue with Nan". He was the first in his whānau to go to university.

Experience as a Waikato Student:
Henare came to Waikato University to study, because for him, it felt right. "I liked the Māori focus; I felt welcome and received excellent support. Waikato provides an environment for Māori to thrive. "In 2004 the foreshore and seabed issue was receiving a lot of attention and after some gentle persuasion by Nan, I considered law and science as an opportunity to protect and manage our natural resources. "I was also interested in Mātauranga Māori [traditional Māori knowledge and understanding] and how it could integrate with government legislation like the Resource Management Act. I think Mātauranga Māori should be the fundamental resource management model, and current legislation should be more inclusive of Mātauranga Māori, not treated as a clip on."

Challenge:
"I believe it is so important for Māori to continue to keep learning and to keep abreast of political, legal and economic changes as well as cultural trends. I've decided I can make a better contribution if I also continue to learn and upskill, and Waikato provided the environment in which to do so."

Currently...
Henare (Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Pahauwera) is in the final stages of his double Masters degrees in Law and Science at Waikato, studying Environmental & Natural Resources Law and Marine and Coastal Science (Environmental and Resource Planning). He also has degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering gained during his eight years in the navy.

Hermann Schemenauer, LLM

Background:
I have passed my Second State Exam in Germany. I have chosen New Zealand for studying a year abroad because I heard a lot about this fascinating country.

Experience as a Waikato Student:
I started my Masters program at the University of Waikato in February 2009 and during my first semester I enjoyed the interesting classes and the good and supportive relationship to the professors and staff members. Everybody I meet is really friendly and helpful. The University of Waikato offers among other things corporate law and IT-law with an international focus. This suited perfectly my interests, as I worked in Germany for international companies and the The Federal Commissioner for Data Protection. I am also happy to have the possibility to study in such a beautiful country.

Future Plans:
During my time here in New Zealand, I want to improve my English skills and of course achieve the LLM. In the leisure time I like travelling around the country and learning about the culture of its people. After having finished my studies, I intend to work as an international lawyer in a law firm and maybe to work in a company later on.

Jingchun Cao, PhD

Background:
The release of former sex offenders into the community is a highly emotive topic – but it's a subject PhD student Jingchun Cao has chosen to tackle as part of her doctoral research. Jingchun chose to do postgraduate study at Waikato after gaining her attorney practice qualification in China.

Experience as a Waikato Student:
For her doctorate, she is comparing the way legal jurisdictions in New Zealand, the United States and China balance the public interest and sex offenders' privacy. "These are all very different systems, but we all face the same problems in dealing with releasing sex offenders into the community after they've served their sentences," says Cao. "We all feel worried if we have released sex offenders living in our community. But we shouldn't take for granted that the public interest always overrides the personal interest: there's got to be a balance between public safety and the privacy rights of the released offenders." Jingchun's studies have been supported by a University of Waikato scholarship and she's also been awarded a scholarship by the Waikato Police, for whom she will be writing a separate report on practice and precedent in New Zealand law as basis for informed decisions on cases involving released sex offenders.

Challenge:
Jingchun says she's grateful for the support she's received for her research. "Writing a PhD thesis is a hard and lonely trip, but I am glad that I have friendly and supportive staff and friends around me at the university. I have been supported by my two supervisors from different departments – social science and law."

Achievements:
She's also had the opportunity to make a one-month study trip to China, funded by a $3,900 Claude McCarthy Fellowship and a $1,000 New Zealand Postgraduate Study Abroad award.

Leilani Tuala-Warren, LLM (Distinction)

Executive Director
Samoa Law Reform Commission

Secondary School:
Leififi College

Background:
Leilani Tuala-Warren was raised in Samoa and attended Leififi College. Leilani graduated with a Master of Laws degree (LLM) from the University of Waikato in 1998. Leilani returned to Samoa to work for the Office of the Attorney General before coming back to the University of Waikato to teach law in the Faculty of Law, and commercial law in the School of Management. In 2005 Leilani returned home to Samoa to practice law in her family's law firm, Tuala & Tuala Lawyers, until November 2008 when she was appointed as the Executive Director of the newly established Samoa Law Reform Commission. Leilani is married to Aidan Warren, also a graduate from the Faculty of Law at Waikato, and now a partner in the Hamilton law firm, McCaw Lewis Chapman. Together they have three children.

Experience as a Waikato Student:
Leilani has fond memories of her time at Waikato: "My Waikato experience and education took place in an environment which fostered and nurtured self-development and independent learning. It was a place that allowed my confidence to grow. My law degree has given me the confidence, skills and knowledge to practice law and now to assist in the formulation and development of legal policy. The most notable feature of my law degree was 'studying law in context' because I am now living law in context in Samoa."

Currently...
I am now part of the Samoa Law Reform Commission which reviews laws to ensure that they are relevant to the Samoan context. My law degree from Waikato gave me solid grounding to be able to do this.

Mange John Matui, PhD

Background:
With a Master of Laws degree from the University of London under his belt, Commonwealth Scholar Mange John Matui picked the University of Waikato Law School for his PhD studies because it offered specialist supervision in corporate governance.

Experience as a Waikato Student:
"I've had two wonderful supervisors whose sheer enthusiasm and encouragement for my research has been a motivating influence," says Mange, who will submit his doctoral thesis this year (2010). Mange says his time at Waikato has been a happy one. "When I first came here I was pleasantly surprised to find open, friendly and generous people at the Law School who go out of their way to make students feel at home and settle into their studies. After having been to other universities, I find this to be very unique about the University of Waikato - it must be something to do with being a Kiwi, but whatever it is I'm grateful!"

Currently...
Mange says corporate governance is an area of law not developed in his native Papua New Guinea. "It's a very new concept, but with problems in governance and accountability in state-owned enterprises (SOEs), particularly in a developing country like PNG, discussion of issues in corporate governance is important."His doctoral research focuses on statutory corporations and SOEs. "One of the biggest grey areas is the continuous government interference in governance. There's no effective accountability and SOEs lack efficiency in delivering goods and services to the people."

Future Plans:
On his return to PNG, Mange will be helping to draft generic corporatised legislation to cover these issues of governance and accountability. "It's a big task, but we need to get the message across," he says. "The important thing is information and training for directors, CEOs and up and coming managers."

Marcel Eusterfeldhaus, LLM

Background:
I attended a Study Abroad programme in Australia 3 years ago. While I was there, I had the chance to take a short trip to New Zealand. I knew instantaneously that I would come back to this unique place with its beautiful natural environment. So, after passing my First Legal State Exam in Germany, I came back to start my Master of Laws programme. I chose the University of Waikato, because of its professors' excellent reputation in my focused area of research, which is Energy Law.

Experience as a Waikato Student:
Everyone in the Law Department has an open-door policy regarding students. It is great to know that you are offered support whenever you encounter problems. Furthermore, as a postgraduate student I have access to a lab which I share with other postgraduates. It is a nice place to study because you are surrounded by people doing the same work as you. There are also plenty of sports offered at Waikato. I like to escape for a decent game at the Uni tennis courts for a break during lunch time. But you can also go to the lovely lake to chill out.

Future Plans:
After finishing my Master of Laws programme at the University of Waikato, I plan to complete my PhD studies in Germany. I will then complete my studies with the Second Legal State Exam.

Maree Brown, LLB / BSocSci, LLM

Background:
I completed my LLB at the University of Waikato, as well as a BSocSci in Psychology and Philosophy.I have recently returned from a year long exchange at the University of Copenhagen. Whilst in Denmark I attended the national Model United Nations, and competed as a member of the Danish moot team in the Telders European International Law Moot Court held in the Netherlands. My partner and I were placed 8th in this competition.

Currently...
I am currently undertaking an LLM in International Law, addressing issues pertaining to the problem of defining terrorism, the neutrality of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the exception of aboriginal subsistence to the ban on whaling.

Future Plans:
I plan on completing my Masters at the end of the year. I would like to get a legal job and get some experience before heading off overseas (probably London) again to work as a lawyer for a few years.

Maximiliano Mendieta, LLM

Background:
My name is Maximiliano and I am from Paraguay (South America). I finished my last legal studies in my country in 2004. I also worked in Paraguay for about eight years, at the Office of the Attorney General. My specific post was in the Economic Crimes and Anticorruption Department.

Experience as a Waikato Student:
When I received a scholarship from the New Zealand Government to complete a Master of Laws in New Zealand, I enrolled at ‘Te Piringa – Faculty of Law’ at the University of Waikato. I have attended the University during the 2010 and 2011 academic years. For me, it is an honour to study in one of the least corrupt countries worldwide. Moreover, I have observed that New Zealand is not only a definitely beautiful country but is also a country full of wonderful Maori culture. From the very beginning, all the staff at the University of Waikato have been extremely helpful and friendly to me, which has enhanced my experience as an international student. Furthermore, I have gained substantial knowledge and support from all the staff of the Faculty of Law.

Currently...
The research that I have been doing has mainly been based in Human Rights, Indigenous Peoples Rights, International Law and Social Justice.

Future Plans:
After finishing my Master of Laws at the University of Waikato I am going back to my country where I would like to work to improve our own human rights and social justice situation by teaching law and by continuing to work for the General Attorney’s Office.

Norlaily Osman, PhD

Background:
I graduated from the University of Warwick with an LLB (Hons) and from the University of Malaya with an LLM. I am on a scholarship from the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia. As a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University Teknologi MARA, I had taught Constitutional Law and Insolvency Law at the Undergraduate level. Other subjects taught include business law, commercial law, partnership and company law, law of meetings and Planning and Environmental law at undergraduate and diploma levels as well as Introduction to Government and Politics for Pre-Law Students. I had presented several papers at seminars/conferences at the national and international levels in the area of human rights and issues related to human trafficking.

Currently...
I am currently engaging in Ph.D research under the supervision of Associate Professor Dr Claire Breen and Wayne Rumbles. The research topic relates to comparative analysis of human rights protection for human trafficking victims, looking at both international and domestic laws of selected countries.

Semisi Pohiva, LLB / BSocSci, LLM

Background:
A desire to give back to his community is what brought Semisi Pohiva to the University of Waikato Law School. And after completing his conjoint degree in law and psychology, he decided to stay on to do a Masters in Law. Semisi, who is of Tongan descent, is Waikato born and bred. "There was really no reason for me to study elsewhere," he says. "Waikato Law School"s unique teaching style emphasises professionalism, biculturalism and studying the law in context, and it was flexible enough so I could focus on issues of relevance to my community."

Experience as a Waikato Student:
Semisi's LLM research has looked at the citizenship rights of overstayer children in New Zealand, and particularly the effect of the Citizenship Amendment Act 2005 on children born to overstayers. The issue is further complicated by cultural adoption practices. "Tongan adoption practices are similar to the Maori whaangai system, so there are all kinds of problems in trying to legalise these cultural adoptions," he says. He has also looked at legal issues around domestic violence in the Tongan community. "The literature shows Tongan victims of domestic violence are among the most reluctant to seek help," he says. "Being Tongan myself, I see that in the community. In my research, I’m looking at the role of legal institutions and culture-specific refuge programmes, and also the role the church might play."

Currently...
Semisi is heavily involved in cultural and youth work in his local community, and for the past three years has served as a residential assistant at one of the Waikato student halls of residence.

Future Plans:
He plans to seek practical experience with a law firm when he graduates in 2010.

Thomas Gibbons, LLM

Commercial Law Partner
McCaw Lewis Chapman

Background:
I graduated with bachelors of Laws and Social Science in 2003 and I'm specializing in governance and strategy for my masters degree. I've also been writing a lot; co-authoring books on trusts and property law, have written more than 100 articles and case notes for legal and business publications. Most recently I've had a substantial text published – The Laws of New Zealand on Easements Profits and Covenants (second edition).

Experience as a Waikato Student:
My Waikato law degree has provided a firm foundation for my career and continuing my studies with my LLM has helped develop greater expertise in my specialist areas of company law and property development.

Achievements:
At the recent New Zealand Law Awards, I was top individual (and second runner up overall) in the Corporate and Commercial Law category. The awards recognise excellence in client service – understanding client businesses, and providing proactive and timely advice with a strategic and results-based focus. The finalists and winners were determined by clients. I was honoured just to be nominated - serving clients proactively and professionally is what the practice of law is all about.

Willow-Jean Prime, BA / LLB, GradDip (MPD), LLM

Background:
Recent developments in Treaty settlements, Maori governance and indigenous development are the focus for Waikato University masters student Willow-Jean Prime. She studied for her Bachelor of Laws at Waikato and after working in Wellington for three and a half years is now back studying and self-employed working on various whanau, hapu and iwi projects and Treaty claims. She's Te Kapotai, Ngati Hine and Ngapuhi and it's for them she's decided to return to study. "It's important to keep learning and to keep abreast of political, legal and economic changes as well as cultural trends. I've decided I can make a better contribution if I upskill."

Challenge:
Willow Jean says Maori and indigenous development is her passion. Her undergraduate degrees (BA/LLB) were in Te Reo and Maori development and law, and she also has a Graduate Diploma in Maori and Pacific Development. "That combination has equipped me with a kete of skills to be able to contribute meaningfully to the positive development of my whanau, hapu and iwi. The challenge for me, and others working in this area, is to keep learning." She is confident walking in both worlds – Maori and Pakeha. "I'm inspired by the dedicated and committed people who've gone before me. We have to ensure that future generations of Maori are provided for spiritually, culturally, environmentally and economically. I'm not afraid of a challenge."

Achievements:
Willow-Jean was awarded the Waikato University law School Haggie Scholarship, worth $5,000 and given to the most deserving Maori Masters student in the school in 2009. "That was a bonus - I've given up a good and steady income to study and I still have a student loan to repay. I'm honoured to receive the scholarship because Kamira Henry (Binga) Haggie was the law school's founding kaumatua - an important figure in the early history of the school and his wife Elizabeth is the school's kuia."

Zainab Radhi, LLM

Lecturer
Price Sultan University, Saudi Arabia

Background:
I am a New Zealand citizen originally from Iraq.

Experience as a Waikato Student:
I enjoyed every day and minute in the Law School. It is one of the best places in the world to study in where everyone is so co-operative and nice and supportive. Thank you all so much for getting me where I am today.

Currently...
Currently I am working as a lecturer in Price Sultan University in Saudi Arabia, and right now I am in the process of my admission to do my SJD in Law in University of Kansas (USA).