Woman Leaders in Law Fellow Christina Pikiuha-Billing
This Fellowship is supporting Christina to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Bioethics and Health Law (PGDipBHL), and a Master of Bioethics and Health Law degree (MBHL), through the University of Otago.
Borrin Foundation Women Leaders in Law Fellowship
Christina’s plan
Christina seeks to progress her leadership in the interdisciplinary fields of bioethics and health law by gaining qualifications to strengthen her expertise. The Borrin Foundation Women Leaders in Law Fellowship will assist her to gain a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDipBHL) followed by a Master’s degree in Bioethics and Health Law (MBHL) through the University of Otago. Christina’s Master’s ambition will be supplemented by growing her knowledge of global bioethical and health law issues through attendance at multi-disciplinary conferences. Christina views health and human rights as essential to quality life and wellbeing. As a recognised thought leader, Christina is committed to contributing both academically and through her professional practice to just and equitable outcomes for tāngata whai ora (persons in pursuit of health). She has excelled in her PGDipBHL journey thus far and her first research essay, a discourse of the use of TASERs in mental health wards, has been submitted for the Max Charlesworth (Bioethics) Prize competition through the Australasian Association of Bioethics and Health Law.
About Christina
Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki
Christina’s mana whenua extends from Tūranga-nui-a-Kiwa, to Mangatū and Ruatōria areas. She is also of Greek-Romanian and Pākehā ancestry. Christina is driven to affect transformational change through advocacy and systemic improvement. Her professional experience a Barrister and Solicitor includes specialisation in accident compensation litigation, health law, health practitioner regulation and human rights. She has acted as private counsel, lead legal aid provider and a mental health Duty Lawyer across dispute resolution, before the Accident Compensation and Family (mental health) Courts, and in the Mental Health Review Tribunal. Her current role as Senior Legal Counsel at the Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner compliments years served as an Investigator, Legal Advisor and counsel representing Professional Conduct Committees before the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal. In 2020 she appeared in the Court of Appeal alongside Queen’s Counsel, contributing to precedent law about evidential standards for health practitioner disciplinary proceedings. In addition to legal roles, Christina has also worked by delegation of the Chief Ombudsman in conducting examinations of places of detention across New Zealand, as a Senior Inspector under the United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. Christina has a strong sense of community and is currently a member of the New Zealand Womens’ Law Journal Advocacy team, and volunteers for Te Korowai o Te Whanganui-ā-Tara Māori Wardens.
Grant Amount
$28,500 in 2023-2028
“Iti rearea teitei Kahikatea ka taea.” The little bellbird can ascend the heights of the Kahikatea tree – with determination, perseverance, and grit, we can achieve lofty goals. I am honoured to be recognised as a Borrin Fellow, as mana wahine, and to contribute to the legacy of Judge Borrin’s vision.“