V.Alum 2024
Welcome to the 2024 edition of V.Alum, the annual magazine for alumni and friends of Victoria University of Wellington's Law School.
Every year V.Alum tells the stories of our vibrant community at Te Kauhanganui Tātai Ture. We have decided to do V.Alum a bit differently so we can tell stories from within and from outside OGB. Please take a few minutes to read about our wonderful research, student leaders, and alumni. Enjoy!
Professor Geoff McLay, Dean of Law
Cover image: 'Taniwha Time Machine' by the Dream Girls Collective and Coco Solid. A 25m contemporary art installation on the Wellington waterfront for the Aotearoa NZ Festival 2024.
Welcome to V.Alum 2024 from the Dean of Law
Professor Geoff McLay, Dean of Te Kauhanganui Tātai Ture—Faculty of Law, welcomes readers to this edition of V.Alum and reflects on the year that's been.
Research—reducing the cost of medicines
An investigation by two Te Herenga Waka scholars into the blurring of lines between the patent regime and how pharmaceuticals are regulated has been completed.
Honorary lecturer’s expertise recognised in Court of Appeal decision
Celebrating our honorary lecturers— Steve Flynn is marking 25 years of inspiring legal minds at Te Kauhanganui Tātai Ture—Faculty of Law.
Alumni making waves—How a law degree unlocked the world
Nathan Hoturoa Gray's career has taken him around the globe and he credits his law degree for enabling him to turn his hand to a wide range of fascinating work.
Looking back at the Class of 1994
V.Alum takes a trip down memory lane with former VUWLSS President Matthew Mallett and Treasurer James Gould.
Alumni making waves—Bold moves that make the difference
Ellen Jenkin’s first big move was to Wellington. She tells us of her journey from Law School to London and how mentoring helped along the way.
Opinion—Parody and satire bill would let us safely poke fun at the world
Lampooning politicians and making fun of the pretensions of artists, writers, and composers are important safety valves in a free society, writes Graeme Austin.
The importance of tikanga Māori in Aotearoa’s legal system
Two lawyers teaching Māori customary law at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington are striving to support the next generation of legal minds.
Publications in 2024
This year, as always, our colleagues have produced world-leading publications and taught over 2000 students—making Aotearoa and the world a better place.
Client Interviewing skills take students all the way to Poland
Q&A with Isla Clarkson and Jimmy Fiso on travelling to Poland to represent New Zealand and other successes in 2024.
VUWLSS—Changing of the guard
The Victoria University of Wellington Law Students’ Society (VUWLSS) plays a crucial role in fostering community and providing support for our law students.
Your contributions empower future legal leaders
Read how your contributions helped students achieve remarkable things at home and abroad.
Awards, Honours, and Appointments
Congratulations to all those in our community—students, staff, and alumni—who have been recognised with awards, honours, and appointments this year.
Honouring former Law Faculty Club and Victoria Law Students’ Society Presidents
A new honours board recognising the work and dedication of past Law Faculty Club and VUWLSS Presidents will be displayed at Government Buildings.
Thank you to our generous donors
We thank those who contribute so much to the fabric and the life of this Faculty.
Looking back
