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We are Te Roopu Whai Putake, the Otago University Maori Law Students’ Association.


Stacey O’Neill – Tumuaki / President
Iwi: Ngapuhi.
Studying: LLB / BA (Maori and Politics).
 
Maia Wikaira – Tumuaki Tuarua / Vice President
Iwi: Ngati Tuwharetoa, Te Rarawa, and Ngapuhi.
Studying: LLB (Hons) / BA.
 
Katy McGinity – Kaiputea / Treasurer
Iwi: I am of Te Arawa and Ngati Rangitihi.
Studying: LLB.
 
Jade Aikman-Dodd – Kaituhi / Secretary
Iwi: Ngati Maniapoto, Tainui, Ngai Te Rangi and Ngati Awa.
Studying: LLB / BA (Maori and Pacific Island Studies).
 
Bianca Hewitson – Kaiawhina ki SOULS / SOULS Representative
Iwi: Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairaraka and Ngati Porou.
Studying: LLB / BAC (Economics).
 
James Hutchinson – Kaimahi / General Rep
Iwi: Ngati Porou.
Studying: LLB / BA (Major: Maori Studies, Minor: Latin).
 
Sarah Van Bellekom Kaimahi / General Rep
Iwi: Ngai Tahu.
Studying: LLB / PhEd.
 
Te Roopu Whai Putake (TRWP) represents all Maori law students at the University of Otago. Our aims are to provide support to Maori Law students, both socially and academically, and to promote Maori legal issues within the faculty and the wider legal environment. Our activities include:
Tutorials: We liaise with the Law Faculty and Te Huka Matauraka (Maori Centre) for additional support tutorials. Our tutorials are run in a kaupapa Maori fashion and everyone who has participated in these tutorials has found them very helpful. These tutorials are always run for first- and second-year papers with potential extra support for third-year and above.
Te Wiki o te Ture Maori (Maori Law Week): Maori Law
The Executive for 2010:
Week promotes Maori legal issues. It is open to all students, staff, and the wider community in Dunedin. Our activities include open lectures and presentations of student’s research, and we also hold a quiz with lots of great prizes. There is also trip to a local marae, where you can learn about this beautiful rohe (area) in which you are studying. This is a unique experience that will be relevant to your professional life. This is open to all Law students.
Te Huinga Roia Maori (Maori Law Society Conference): This is held in a different place each year; this year it will be in Wellington. This is a chance to meet other Maori practitioners and students from all over the motu, hear some great prominent speakers, and there is a possibility of competing in a mooting competition.
These are our main events throughout the year. There will be more fun activities throughout the year like laser force, bowling, and paintball shooting. To find out more, keep an eye on your emails, make friends with us on Facebook, or have a look on Blackboard.
Contact us on whai.putake@stonebow.otago.ac.nz