An academic influx is on the cards as a result of a Memorandum of Understanding between Wairoa District Council and the University of Waikato’s law faculty aimed at bringing the best young legal minds to town.

Wairoa will play host to two advanced law students this summer, during which time they will carry out research work and assist staff in a number of areas of council operation.

Chief Executive Officer Fergus Power said the University of Waikato was happy for the opportunity to offer selected students the chance to gain course credits through practical experience. The Summer School course will be the equivalent of one sixth of an academic year.

“The fact the faculty has the largest PhD law programme in the country is impressive and indicates the vitality of the university’s legal programme.”

The law students will be directly supervised by Mr Power due to his commercial and environmental legal experience in Australia and New Zealand. As the programme extends, students in other disciplines will report to senior managers and specialist staff within Council.

“This is a win-win situation for both the students and the Wairoa community. The students gain valuable practical experience and enjoy the fabulous environment and people, while the community benefits from the solutions arising out of these bright minds.”

Such arrangements also provide the opportunity for students originally from Wairoa to return home during breaks while still gaining important course credits.

“It is an added incentive, and along with reducing study costs for University students from Wairoa, means our academic talent doesn’t have to seek opportunities elsewhere,” Mr Power said.

Further talks are underway with other tertiary providers to negotiate similar arrangements in other areas of study.

5 July 2016

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