Professor of Law - ALPSS Divisional Lead Tauranga at The University of Waikato, Bay of Plenty

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Guide the growth of law programmes and foster a vibrant academic community
• Bring exceptional research credentials and a passion for mentoring colleagues and students
• Support Divisional Academic strategy in Tauranga and build impactful community partnerships

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Piringa Faculty of Law, in the School of Law, Politics, and Philosophy is seeking a full-time Professor in Law, who will bring outstanding leadership and scholarly expertise to our vibrant academic community. This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished legal scholar to shape the future of legal education and research within the School, while also contributing to the University's strategic presence in Tauranga.

For the initial three years of this appointment, the successful candidate will also hold the service position of Tauranga Academic Lead for the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences, providing academic leadership and fostering strong connections between staff, students, and the wider community in the Bay of Plenty region.

We welcome applications from candidates with expertise across any area of law, and we particularly value approaches that engage critically with contemporary legal challenges and diverse perspectives - including Indigenous, comparative, and interdisciplinary frameworks. The role will involve teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, supervising research students, and actively contributing to the School's research culture and external engagement.

Salary will be based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This will be a full-time role (37.5 hours per week) based on our Tauranga Campus.

Please see the link for information on the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact the Head of School, Justine Kingsbury at justine.kingsbury@waikato.ac.nz

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. Emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? - Who are you?

As Professor, you will demonstrate a strong record of research excellence, leadership in curriculum development, and a commitment to mentoring colleagues and students. This position offers an exciting opportunity to influence the direction of legal scholarship and education in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.

Ko wai mātou? - Who are we?

Te Piringa Faculty of Law sits within the School of Law, Politics, and Philosophy. Te Piringa is founded in the principles of biculturalism, professionalism, and the study of law in context. From these principles the Faculty works to provide cutting edge legal education in the areas of Māori Governance, Public Policy and Practice, Cyber and New Technology Law, and Environmental Law.

A core function of the Faculty is to provide education for prospective lawyers in accordance with the standards of the New Zealand Council of Legal Education through the accredited Bachelor of Laws programme. The Faculty offers a range of papers at undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional training levels.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? - Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success. Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you'll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata - For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications close on Sunday, 1 February 2026

Requisition number: 1003195