Hundreds support tribute page for Henaghan

AN online tribute page to the former dean of the University of Otago’s Faculty of Law has been flooded with support.

The social media page was created on April 6 by former law students Harriet Enright and Andrew Row.

The aim was to ‘‘ensure his contributions to the law, the lives of countless students, and the Otago Law Faculty are not overshadowed by recent events’’, the page said.

Its launch followed controversy surrounding behaviour at past law camps organised by the Society of Otago University Law Students.

Prof Henaghan was said to have been present as a guest at times during the camps.

The page was created on the same day Prof Henaghan stepped down earlier than expected as dean, ending a 19year stint in the top job.

It has been flooded with support since then, attracting more than 1700 members and 120 posts so far.

Ms Enright said yesterday the aim was create ‘‘a modernday farewell card’’ for Prof Henaghan, to be presented as a book before he left the faculty.

‘‘People of all ages from all over the world have shared how Mark has counselled, supported and inspired them at law school and in their careers,’’ she said.

Prof Henaghan, who has declined repeated requests for an interview, planned to remain at Otago as a researcher and lecturer until the end of the year.