Te Piringa - Faculty of Law Student Profiles

Lillian Balfour

Ecology and Biodiversity
"I have learned so much, the social science and policy side to climate change had a big impact on how I think about climate change, especially when combined with the Indigenous Studies paper - it reinforces how climate justice is also a social justice issue."

Māhia Mete-Smith

Māori
"Rōpū Māori (Māori groups and networks) are the highlight of my whole student experience every year. I wholeheartedly encourage tauira Māori to get amongst the kaupapa, it makes your university experience one to remember."

Vinod Bal

Law, Political Science, Sociology
"I chose Waikato because of what it stands for, epitomised by its motto 'ko te tangata' or 'for the people.' It was important to me that my tertiary education was first and foremost, people-centric, and Waikato delivered this in spades."

Lushomo Thebe

"I can talk about everything I have learnt as part of my qualification, but for me, it’s the people I’ve met and the love and support I’ve received. It feels like home"

Keana Hepi

Law, Māori Language/Te Reo Māori
"I’ve really enjoyed my Māori language papers this trimester, particularly learning more about the values inherent in te reo Māori and the knowledge systems of mātauranga Māori."

Bradley Sam

Economics, Law
"“My exchange was one of the best parts of my university life. It’s been a positive discussion point in job interviews and has definitely helped me get to where I am today.”"

Kanj Patel

Accounting, Finance, Law, Leadership Communication
"I completed both four-year degrees in only four years and obtained First Class Honours in my management degree. I needed to get on the gas and get it done as fast as possible."

Zachary Katene

Law
Zach was surprised at how he had a flair for the practical areas of law like advocacy and negotiation. His talent saw him win competitions and secure top honours.

Leilani Tuala-Warren

Law
"Ask yourself, ‘what can I do to help our people?’ That’s where the passion will come from, and from there you will do well."

Season-Mary Downs

Law
"I always knew I wanted to make a difference to the community so studying towards a law degree was the best way I could see to help. It’s a privilege to be able to use my law degree and the knowledge I’ve gained to help the community."

Willow-Jean Prime

Development Studies, Law, Māori and Indigenous Studies
"I'm inspired by the dedicated and committed people who've gone before me. We have to ensure that future generations of Māori are provided for spiritually, culturally, environmentally and economically. I'm not afraid of a challenge."

Courtney Dick

Economics, Law
"By going in-house, I have been able to utilise both my degrees. It’s nice to be part of the business process and strategic management, and I work with multiple teams including finance, creative, procurement and strategic."

Benny Jones

Law
"I gained experience in the court process and the experience triggered something in me and I set my sights on a new career in law."

Aidan Warren

Law
"The University’s motto ‘Ko Te Tangata – For the People’ is what I took away. We learned law in context; it was people focused and reflective of our community and that has been a big part of my practice."

Sam Fellows

"I believe the experiences and opportunities I had at university have directly contributed to where I am now. I always felt supported and like someone believed in me, and now I do my best to inspire that in others."

Kristoffer Lavasi'i

English, Law, Psychology
"It can be easy to look around at others who seem to be moving faster, flying higher. But sometimes the slowest things go farthest, and the humblest beginnings sometimes lead to the most incredible things."

Grace Walker

Law
"In high school, you’re told that at uni you won’t get much help but at Waikato, I found that it was quite the opposite. Te Piringa – Faculty of Law promotes the concept of ‘colleagues not competitors’."

Akeem Iyanda

Law
"I am now a lawyer, thanks to my law study at the University of Waikato. The degree and skills I got from Waikato made me employable."

Aidan Sarikaya

Law
"There are opportunities to meet people from all different walks of life, studying different things and competing or performing at the highest level."

Shelley Greer

Law
"I cherish the ability to learn in my career, every day I learn something new which keeps things interesting."

Te Maiora Rūrehe

Law, Māori Language/Te Reo Māori
"Lawyers are catalysts for change as they can directly influence justice and how it’s administered."

Tayla Afoa

Law, Philosophy, Political Science
"When I came down to Open Day, the campus caught my eye instantly – the lakes are beautiful, everything is close together and the University is away from the bustling city."

Charlotte Miller

Law
"I didn’t know Security and Crime Science or Forensic and Criminological Psychology were even options before I was looking at electives for my degree. I was instantly drawn to them and wanted to give them a go."

Tekatau Bio

Law
Tekatau is a barrister and solicitor specialising in family and immigration law. She is also the first woman of Kiribati heritage to be admitted as a barrister and solicitor to the High Court of New Zealand.

Wayne Hoffer

"Waikato set me up for the practicality of law, there was a great focus on how to fix a problem. That has helped me stand out in my career."

Rachel Devine

Law
"My degree instilled an early openness to innovation and keenness for creativity which I believe has shaped my desire to deliver pragmatic, real-world solutions to legal issues, and to invest in the creation of an AI contract management software business."

Ben Gerritsen

"I think it’s a good idea to broaden your perspectives, do a range of subjects, and Waikato gave me the flexibility to do that."