A legend retires

When Pauline Castle left the Law School in May this year, it marked the end of an era, and the start of a new chapter in her life—a relaxed retirement in the sunny Wairarapa.

Pauline began working at the Law School in 2003, taking a temporary position behind the front desk in the Law School office, where she managed student enquiries and administration. The role was supposed to last six months; she retired this year after 18 years. There aren’t many people who attended, or worked at, the Law School between 2003 and 2021 who don’t have their own Pauline Castle story.

Pauline completed the role she was paid to do with gusto, but she also went above and beyond to help students. As Atagai Esera, former student and adjunct lecturer, recalls, “Pauline just really took care of us during our time at the Law School; she treated us like her own. We knew her interest in our wellbeing was genuine; you could feel it!

“When I returned as an adjunct, Pauline was so excited for the School to have a Pasikifa female fronting the class—and whenever I needed a hand, she was always on the other end of the phone. Her tireless efforts will be missed by many.”

Her support of, and advocacy for, students was unwavering throughout her Law School tenure. Although often overloaded with requests, she would always take time out if someone was in need of help. The first port of call in numerous emergencies (both real and imagined), the Law School office was a hub, and Pauline was truly the heart and soul of that hub.

“I know there are just so many people who are so grateful for the service that Pauline has given, and whether she knows it or not, she has made such a huge impact on our Pasifika students. She made my journey so memorable, and she has always had so much grace,” remembers former Pasifika Law Students’ coordinator, Lagi Tuimavave.

Something that also can’t be understated is Pauline’s dedication to the physical home of the Law School— the historic Old Government Buildings (OGB), built in 1876. If you ever tried to put sticky tape or thumb tacks on the walls of OGB, you will have undoubtedly seen this dedication up close.

“I think of Pauline as the kaitiaki (guardian) of the Old Government Buildings. She always looked after them with a real affection and that was so appreciated by staff, students, and visitors. I particularly enjoyed on Monday mornings seeing the flowers that she’d arranged from the flowers that [Emeritus Professor] Tony Angelo brought in,” says former Law School staff member Lib Coubrough.

Pauline just really took care of us during our time at Law School; she treated us like her own. We knew her interest in our wellbeing was genuine; you could feel it!

So while Pauline now has more time to focus on herself as she ventures into retirement, she will be long remembered by anyone who crossed the threshold of the Old Government Buildings in the past 18 years. And even though she will hate this suggestion, nobody has ever quite embodied the ideal of the “whaea (mum) of the Law School” like Pauline Castle.

Elizabeth Cherry (Communication and Marketing Advisor), David Jones (Rongowhakaata/Ngāti Kahungunu), Pauline Castle at David’s graduation, 2013.