V.ALUM 2023
‘Constitutional trainspotter’ celebrated for upholding good governance A Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington legal academic has been celebrated for the vital role he has played in turning the spotlight on the inner workings of government, drawing on his expertise to hold those in power to account.
Dean Knight, Associate Professor of Law at Te Kauhanganui Tātai Ture—Faculty of Law, was announced as the winner of the Critic and Conscience of Society Award for 2023. The Award recognises the vital role he has played in providing valuable analysis and academic expertise to areas of public interest. Administered by Universities New Zealand, the $50,000 award is sponsored by the Gama Foundation’s Grant and Marilyn Nelson. It was established to encourage academics to speak out on important issues.
Page 12
Speaking to V.Alum from Europe, where he’s on research and study leave, Dr Knight says the award is a huge honour. “I was absolutely chuffed to win this. It’s very special to have my voice and my contribution to Aotearoa’s civic discussion recognised,” he says. “Our role as critic and conscience of society has been enshrined [in the Education and Training Act 2020], and is something I’ve always taken very seriously over the 20 years I’ve been in academia.”
