Law students moot champions to represent New Zealand

Two law students have come away victorious from the New Zealand International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Moot Court competition, held at Victoria over the weekend.

Winners of the IHL moot

Conor Donohue and Teja Kandarpa competed against the University of Auckland’s team in the final which was held in the Old High Court building.

Sir Geoffrey Palmer—former Prime Minister and Law Commissioner and Victoria Distinguished Fellow; Colonel Justin Emerson—Defence Legal Services; and David Vogelsanger—Ambassador of Switzerland to New Zealand presided as judges. In March next year, the duo will represent New Zealand in the 13th Red Cross International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Moot (Inter-University Competition for the Asia-Pacific Region) international competition.

Teja Kandarpa was announced as the best mooter of the weekend’s event.

This year’s moot problem asked students to make their case on a variety of IHL issues, including protection of cultural property in armed conflict and who can be deemed as directly participating in hostilities.