Top prizes for AUT Māori law students
Congratulations to AUT Law School students Anna Coddington (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Te Arawa, Ngāti Whakaue) and Kendel Ormond (Rongomaiwahine), who won the two top prizes at the inaugural Hui-ā-Tauira.
The event was organised by Tūmatakahuki | National Māori Law Students' Association, the representative body unifying the six Māori law rōpū across Aotearoa (Te Rākau Ture, Te Aro Ture, Te Whakahiapo, Ngā Rangahautira, Te Pūtāiki, and Te Rōpū Whai Pūtake).
Hosted by AUT, the three day-long hui and competitions brought together Māori law students from around the motu to share kōrero (conversation), whakaaro (ideas) and whakaakoako (teachings) with such esteemed legal luminaries as Justice Tā Sir Joe Williams, Tania Waikato, Annette Sykes, and Justice Layne Harvey, as well as current and past law school students, practicing lawyers, and law academics such as Eru Kapa-Kingi.
Each competition comprised two teams of three, with representatives from each law rōpu – with Anna representing Te Aro Ture in the National Māori Issues Moot and Kendal in the National Māori Negotiation Competition. Anna was named Best Overall Individual Mooter and Kendel was awarded Best Overall Individual Negotiator.
AUT Law School Dean, Ahorangi Professor Khylee Quince (Ngāpuhi, Te Roroa, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungungu) said she was “extremely proud” to witness the students’ winning performances.
“This is the first time any AUT students have won either of the top awards at the national Māori student competitions. The judges were effusive in their praise of these wahine – their written submissions, ability on their feet, poise, and respect for their fellow competitors. Me whakahīhī ka tika, Anna and Kendel!”