Myra Williamson

I hold a BA (Politics) and an LLB Hons (First) from Otago University. I also hold an LLM Hons (First) and a PhD from the University of Waikato. I was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of NZ in 1998 and practiced law in Hamilton before starting a family.

I have taught at Waikato University at various times (most recently as Senior Lecturer of Law from Sept 2019 - November 2021). I have also taught law in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait for extended periods. I was involved in quality assurance and accreditation in previous roles. Recently (2021-2024) I was working in the legal team of a district council. I have returned to an academic role in the Law Faculty at AUT.

My PhD is in public international law. I have published a book called 'Terrorism, War and International Law: the legality of the use of force against Afghanistan in 2001' but I have written and published in a wide range of areas aside from international law. For example, in my previous role at the University of Waikato I wrote a piece in The Conversation on tenancy law and student accommodation; I also made a submission to a select committee considering changes in that area. I have also published in areas such as comparative law, constitutional law, gender justice and nationality laws, women and the judiciary, Islamic law and women, peace-building and economic sanctions, constitutional law in addition to some areas of law pedagogy including academic integrity, assessment and contract cheating.