About the Centre

The New Zealand Centre for Human Rights Law, Policy was established in January 2012 by the Dean of Auckland Law School.

Our mission

To advance the realisation and appreciation of human rights and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Aotearoa New Zealand.

To support and promote research and scholarship about human rights law and policy.

To advocate for the dignity, equality, and respect of all people in Aotearoa New Zealand.

To train future generation of leaders, lawyers, and scholars how to advance human rights in Aotearoa and internationally.
 

Blessing of the Nigel Swinn Portraits of Teina Pora and others at the Centre in May 2018

The core of our law and policy work includes:

News and Events: The Centre hosts public lectures and seminars on human rights topics and publishes a periodic newsletter. 

Research and Advocacy: In addition to our individual research, the Centre for Human Rights Law, Policy, and Practice contributes to the development of human rights law and policy in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. Our staff work with the legal profession to improve the realisation of human rights, make submissions to Government on law reform, and advocate in international committees and tribunals. We work with civil society organisations and Government on how to enhance human rights law and practice.

Student Opportunities: The Centre offers a range of opportunities for students to learn about, research, and advocate for human rights. Our staff assist students who want to intern at human-rights organisations and graduates who want to find a career working to advance human rights. We also develop courses in human rights law at the undergraduate and postgraduate level. 

Collaboration: The Centre provides a forum for multi-disciplinary collaboration for research and advocacy about human rights law, policy, and practice. Our staff collaborate with bodies within the United Nations, universities, and leading international scholars domestically and internationally to encourage the promotion of human rights. If you are interested in collaborating with us, please contact us.