Media release: Recipients from March 2021 Round of Individual Funding Announced

Borrin Foundation Women Leaders in Law Fellowship

Helen Dervan

Helen received $38,350 to analyse Aotearoa New Zealand’s prudential regulatory regime under the Twin Peaks model of financial regulation and the current proposed reforms as part of completing a PhD thesis on prudential regulation in Aotearoa New Zealand through Melbourne University. Helen says, “The enduring legacy of the 2008 GFC shows that ordinary people and the poor suffer most from financial crises. In reforming economic institutions, we must consider economic justice and the extent of the prudential regulator’s powers.”

Natalie Pierce

Natalie received $36,975 to complete her Masters in International Human Rights Law at the University of Oxford (New College). As part of this programme, Natalie will specialise in international criminal law, the right to life (including law enforcement issues), and will examine the prevention and prosecution of atrocity crimes (genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and torture). Natalie Says “The Borrin Foundation fellowships and awards provide an invaluable opportunity to examine how we can effect meaningful change in our legal system, both now and in the future. I am most grateful to be a Borrin Foundation Women Leaders in Law Fellow and look forward to applying the knowledge gained to future legal projects.”

Borrin Foundation Community Law Fellowship

Sarah Barnaart

Sarah received $30,462 to undertake a Master of Leadership for Development offered by the University of Melbourne. The programme is two years part-time. Sarah is undertaking this study while continuing to work as the Practice Manager at 155 Community Law Taitokerau in order to grow and share leadership skills with her team serving Te Tai Tokerau region.

Digby Livingston (Ngāti Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Rongowhakaata)

Digby received $21,520 to research current prisoner remuneration rates. He will look at the current position in NZ, and compare this with payment of prisoners in other jurisdictions. Digby says, “I work for the community because many people supported me in my studies and I believe support must be paid forward.” Digby runs a free legal advice clinic for Community Law at Remutaka Prison.

Sarah Croskery-Hewitt

Sarah Croskery-Hewitt received $14,188 to explore the intersection of immigration law and family violence in Aotearoa New Zealand. She hopes to identify current gaps in protections for migrant women and to formulate proposals for reform of immigration policy. Sarah is on sabbatical from Community Law Wellington & Hutt Valley, while she undertakes her PhD.

Borrin Foundation Travel and Learning Awards

The following individuals received travel and learning awards:

• Ronji Tanielu received $11,400 for travel to Australia, the US and the UK to explore innovative models of social justice and access to justice by visiting and meeting with organisations, think thanks and global leaders
• Marozane Spamers received $5,600 for attendance at the International Academy of Law and Mental Health Conference in Lyon, France in 2022
• Myra Williamson received $3,260 for online professional development through the Advance HE Senior programme and online courses from Harvard University Women in Education Leadership
• Anna High received $600 to attend online professional development courses with UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center.

Applications for the Borrin Foundation Women Leaders in Law Fellowship and the Borrin Foundation Community Law Fellowship are invited annually in March. Applications for the Travel and Learning awards are invited twice a year, in March and in August. Information on eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found here: https://www.borrinfoundation.nz/fellowshipsawards/