Master of Laws in Māori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples' Law

Law

Develop an in-depth understanding of Māori, Pacific, and Indigenous Peoples' Law with this specialist LLM. Gain the expertise to contribute to Pacific jurisprudence and foster inclusive legal systems.

NZ$11,328

inc GST

Enquire about international pricing


This course starts anytime

(120 Credits)


In-person study

Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting

Hamilton, Hamilton

It will take a total of 1 year

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Analyse historical and developing trends in indigenous rights

Students will critically investigate the evolution and current status of indigenous peoples' rights, with an emphasis on Māori and Pacific contexts.

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Understand international influences on Indigenous legal development

Gain insight into how bodies such as the United Nations shape indigenous rights processes and frameworks.

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Evaluate the state's role in recognising Indigenous rights

Develop the ability to evaluate how states consider and integrate environmental and economic rights of indigenous communities within national systems.

What You're Signing Up For

The Master of Laws in Māori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples' Law (LLM Māori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples') at the University of Waikato offers the opportunity to examine the historical and developing trends in the rights of indigenous peoples, with a focus on Māori, Pacific, and broader indigenous legal systems. Students will study the impact of international organizations such as the United Nations, environmental and economic rights, post-settlement legal changes in Aotearoa New Zealand, and will develop skills relevant for careers in Māori governance, Crown Law, Treaty settlement, teaching, research, government, and the Māori economy.

Course Content

  • Historical and current trends in indigenous peoples' rights
  • Role of international organizations (e.g., United Nations) in Indigenous rights development
  • State recognition of environmental and economic rights
  • Post-settlement New Zealand legal landscape
  • Inclusive New Zealand jurisprudence
  • Traditional Māori practice and Common Law integration
  • Legal systems outside Common Law jurisdictions
  • Academic research and teaching in indigenous legal matters

What you need to know first

Completed an LLB or a combined Law degree (with at least a B GPA) at the University of Waikato, or equivalent qualification from another university

An LLB (Hons) at the University of Waikato with at least a B GPA or equivalent

Satisfy prerequisites for graduate study as determined by the Academic Board

Demonstrated academic merit and relevant experience (exceptional circumstances)

English language proficiency: IELTS (overall 6.5, with at least 6.0 in Writing), or equivalent, if first language is not English

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Legal services

  • Government

  • Academia

  • Māori governance

  • Policy

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • Academic teaching and research

  • Treaty settlement roles

  • Māori governance roles

  • Crown Law

  • Local and central government positions

  • Legal practice

  • Education sector

  • Roles in the Māori economy