Gulliver MacDonald | McCall MacBain Foundation Kupe Leadership Scholar

Bachelor of Laws (Honours) | Bachelor of Arts (Politics)

The law can be a powerful tool for safeguarding human rights. It also, however, has a lasting legacy of contributing to inequities, especially in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand’s justice system. I have seen the scale of such inequities through my Law and Politics degree, including in my work as a Co-Manager in the Equal Justice Project. I strongly care about promoting equity in Aotearoa and ensuring that no one faces barriers in life due to their background and identity. I am interested in exploring how to better realise the law’s potential to support human rights and promote justice, striving to uphold te Tiriti o Waitangi.

My commitment to social justice is also driven by the experiences of my Indo-Trinidadian ancestors on my Father’s side, who worked as indentured labourers on sugar cane plantations. Their hardships, sacrifices and resilience in the face of unjust systems inspires my passion in this area. 

Sponsor: McCall MacBain Foundation

Mentor: Hon. Justice Andrew Becroft, QSO

Recently appointed Justice of the High Court of New Zealand. An esteemed New Zealand Jurist and Barrister. He served as Children's Commissioner from 2016 to 2021, advocating for child safety and developing strong public positions on related issues. Prior to that, he was a District Court Judge, serving in Wanganui and as Principal Judge of the Youth Court of New Zealand. Throughout his career, Judge Becroft has specialized in working with youth and child offenders, actively participating in organizations and initiatives dedicated to their support.