About Us
Te Piringa STUDENT EVENTS ASSOICATION
Who We Are
The Te Piringa Student Events Association (formely Te Piringa Events) is a student-led WSU affiliated club, at the University of Waikato, dedicated to enriching the academic and social lives of law students. We serve as a bridge between the rigorous demands of legal study and the vibrant community spirit that defines the Waikato experience, ensuring students have access to both professional development and meaningful social connection.
Our Mission: "Colleagues, Not Competitors"
Our mission is to foster a supportive environment where students see each other as future peers and partners from day one, by focusing on these key objectives:
- To facilitate networking opportunities with legal professionals and firms.
- To organise social events that build lasting friendships and a sense of belonging.
- To advocate for student interests and promote professional excellence within the faculty.
How We Are Structured
Our society operates with a clear focus on collaborative leadership to ensure diverse representation across all levels of study at the university:
- Executive Committee: Overseeing strategic direction and external partnerships.
- Operational Committee: Officers in charge of specific portfolios of our mission.
- General Committee: Committee members to support the work of the operational committee.
Our Commitment to You
We are committed to providing a transparent, inclusive, and high-impact platform for all University of Waikato law students. Whether you are seeking a mentor, a network, or a study break, Te Piringa Student Events is here to support your journey from student to practitioner.
Where these lines intersect, they create our signature purple — a deliberate reflection of our brand. This intersection is not accidental; it represents collaboration, shared experience, and the value that is created when different parts of the legal community come together.
The logo is a visual reminder that we are more than just a student group. We are a network — one that connects, supports, and elevates our members through every stage of their legal journey.
Our Logo
Our logo represents connection — the core purpose of our association.
The two lines symbolise the relationships we exist to build and strengthen: between the Faculty and students, between students themselves, between law firms and aspiring professionals, and between Waikato law students and the wider legal community, including other law schools.
Our Name
Te Piringa Student Events Association reflects both our identity and our responsibility.
“Te Piringa” is a name gifted through Te Piringa – Faculty of Law at the University of Waikato. As a gifted name, it carries significance beyond its literal meaning — representing connection, relationships, and a place of coming together. It acknowledges the Faculty’s foundation in kaupapa Māori and the importance of community within the legal profession.
With that comes a responsibility. In carrying the name “Te Piringa,” we recognise the need to uphold the values it represents — fostering genuine connection between students, strengthening relationships with the Faculty, and building bridges to the wider legal community.
“Student Events Association” reflects how we bring this to life in practice. Through our events, we create spaces where those connections can form and grow — socially, academically, and professionally.
Together, our name is not just descriptive — it is intentional. It ties us to a wider legacy while setting a clear expectation for what we aim to achieve.