Under-fire law dean steps down
Otago University law dean Mark Henaghan has stepped down from his role.
The move comes weeks after revelations emerged about an alcoholfuelled law camp he attended.
The 63-year-old will remain at the university until the end of the academic year, before taking up a professorship at the University of Auckland Law School.
‘‘My decision to step aside as dean early is not related to student law camps,’’ he said in a statement.
Henaghan said it was appropriate to give his successor, Professor Jessica Palmer, ‘‘to learn the ropes in this very demanding role and to enable her to lead the strategic planning for next year and into the future’’.
A university spokeswoman said yesterday a statement would be issued shortly.
The annual law camp was cancelled after concerns were raised about jelly wrestling and nude drinking games at the event. Henaghan attended a talent show during the camp, which involved nudity, prompting several complaints.
Society of Otago University Law Students (Souls) had run the camp for the past 10 years, but was forced to cancel the event after the university withdrew its support.
Earlier this year Pro-vice chancellor humanities Professor Tony Ballantyne said ‘‘a rethink and redesign of the event is required’’.
The revelations surfaced as law schools, the University of Otago included, severed ties with Russell McVeagh while a review into sexual misconduct allegations at the law firm is conducted.
Students working in the firm’s summer clerk programme in 2015-16 complained about inappropriate sexual behaviour and misconduct by staff in its Wellington office. Allegations included sexual harassment and that staff engaged in boardroom sex with students.