Qualifications: BA LLB (Hons) MBA LLM PhD

Iwi: Ngati Wai, Ngapuhi, Ngati Whatua

About Me

Dr Valmaine Toki is a Professor of Law, Ngapuhi Ngati Wai Ngat Whatua descent, and the first Maori and first New Zealander appointed as an Expert Member on the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Before joining Te Piringa, Valmaine taught at the Faculty of Law, University of Auckland. Prior to this, as a He Ture Pumau scholar, Valmaine worked for Te Ohu Kai Moana Trustee Ltd on Māori fisheries, aquaculture and asset allocation. Valmaine is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and has assisted in cases to the Māori Land Court, the Environment Court, and the High Court.

Her 2018 book entitled "Indigenous courts, self determination and criminal justice" and focuses on her recent research within the area of recognition and implementation of Indigenous rights.

Papers I Teach

Research Interests

• Human and Indigenous Rights
• Therapeutic Jurisprudence
• Resource Management

Valmaine has  undertaken research into therapeutic jurisprudence as a vehicle to implement indigenous legal systems/tikanga Māori to reduce the disproportionate number of Māori criminal offenders. This envisages a specialist indigenous court that embraces Māori customs, ethics, values, and norms.

Recent Publications

• Toki, V. (2018). Indigenous courts, self-determination and criminal justice. Routledge. doi:10.4324/9781351239622

Find more research publications by Valmaine Toki

Contact Details

• Calling +64 7 838 4466  select option 1, then enter the extension
• Extensions starting with 4, 5, 9 or 3 can also be direct dialled:
  • For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension
  • For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension
  • For extensions starting with 9: dial +64 7 837 extension
  • For extensions starting with 3: dial +64 7 2620 + the last 3 digits of the extension  e.g. 3123 = +64 7 262 0123
• Emailing username@waikato.ac.nz
• Using the campus map to locate their room