Te Herenga Waka is expanding the teaching of tikanga Māori across its Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program. This innovative approach continues despite regulatory setbacks from the New Zealand Council of Legal Education.
The Council proposed a compulsory first-year course on tikanga, but Parliament’s Regulation Review Committee disallowed it. Law schools are now required to offer only an introductory tikanga course at 100 level.
However, Te Herenga Waka has integrated tikanga content into four compulsory 200-level papers: Public Law, Torts, Contract, and Criminal Law. Professor Māmari Stephens emphasized that “tikanga doesn’t come out of nowhere” and aims to develop a “tikanga instinct” in graduates—enabling them to recognize when tikanga is relevant and respond appropriately.
The faculty plans to extend this integration to 300-level courses by 2027. This initiative aligns with a broader recognition of tikanga as part of Aotearoa’s legal system.
In related news, Vaipou Vaoga and her daughter Faalaa Fialua were sentenced to 12 months of home detention for evading nearly $2 million in tax. Judge Ajit Singh noted that family loyalty was a significant factor in their sentencing, stating that “family loyalty is a core value but in the eyes of the law, it is no excuse for $2 million in missing tax.”
Additionally, Craig Stobo resigned as chair of the Financial Markets Authority following an investigation into his behavior. This incident highlights ongoing scrutiny within New Zealand’s financial regulations.
The integration of tikanga into legal education reflects a growing commitment to incorporate Māori values within the legal framework. Observers expect further developments as Te Herenga Waka implements these changes over the coming years.
