How can Māori law be integrated into the LLB as a foundational part of the degree?
This multiphase research programme formally began in 2018 and is led by Professor Jacinta Ruru. It is a nationwide collaboration of all Māori legal academics in Aotearoa New Zealand's University schools of law. This programme has the potential to transform legal education and the legal profession in Aotearoa New Zealand, and in turn influence how law impacts the lives of New Zealanders.
New Zealand's legal system, including our common law, increasingly recognises the value of te Tiriti o Waitangi, te reo Māori and Māori laws. However, when we began this research there had been no national collaborative discussion about if and how Māori law ought to be taught as part of New Zealand's Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
Our project calls for legal education to graduate students to be work-ready for a modern Aotearoa New Zealand legal practice that is becoming more compliant with te Tiriti o Waitangi (bicultural), more te reo Māori competent (bilingual) and more inclusive of Māori laws (bijural).
Our sponsors
Michael & Suzanne Borrin Foundation | Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga | The Law Schools at the following universities:
- Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington
- Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
- Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau – Auckland University of Technology
- Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato – The University of Waikato
- Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha – University of Canterbury
- Waipapa Taumata Rau – University of Auckland
Our progress to date
Phase one: Identifying issues – complete
The Phase one report – Issues paper
Phase two: Consultation – complete
The Phase two report – Part 1 – survey
The Phase two report – Part 2 – consultation