Acting deans appointed for Law, and Business & Economics

The University has confirmed two acting dean appointments to support the next phase of collaborative work between the faculties of Law, and Business & Economics. These appointments take effect from 1 July 2025:

• Professor Susan Watson has been appointed Acting Dean of the Faculty of Law.
• Professor Carla Houkamau (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tahu) has been appointed Acting Dean of the Faculty of Business & Economics.

These appointments follow the decision to pause the proposed faculty combination and instead pursue collaborative initiatives that enhance academic leadership, strengthen postgraduate pathways, and maintain the distinct disciplinary identities of both faculties. The appointments will provide leadership continuity and help enable the successful delivery of the University’s collaborative priorities across the two faculties.

We thank Professor Jaime King for her significant contribution as Acting Dean of Law during a pivotal time for the faculty. Jaime will return to her academic position, where she will continue to play an important role through her teaching and research.

About Professor Susan Watson

Susan currently serves as Dean of the Business School and holds joint academic appointments in Law and Business. She is an internationally respected scholar of corporate law and corporate governance, with published work cited by the UK Supreme Court and leading academics globally.

She previously served as Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law, and her long-standing academic involvement across both faculties gives her a deep understanding of their people, cultures, and priorities. Since 2020, she has led the Business School through significant organisational transformation, and brings proven capability to guide the Faculty of Law through this next phase of strategic collaboration.

About Professor Carla Houkamau

Carla has been Deputy Dean of the Business School since 2020, providing academic and cultural leadership through a period of growth and change. A nationally recognised scholar in Māori and Indigenous business, her research focuses on intergroup relations, identity economics, diversity management, and implicit bias.

She is best known for developing and leading research using the Multidimensional Model of Māori Identity and Cultural Engagement (MMM-ICE), which has gained national and international recognition for its rigorous psychometric approach. Carla’s leadership reflects her deep commitment to cultural understanding, equity, and excellence in education.