About the department

The Department of Commercial Law is the top-ranked commercial law department in New Zealand, and one of the leading commercial law departments in Australasia.

The Department of Commercial Law co-teaches on the Master of Taxation Studies programme (MTaxS) and has a strong Honours, Masters and PhD programme.

The Department consists of staff that are leading researchers in their fields, with many combining academic excellence with experience as practitioners in leading New Zealand firms. Research is regularly published in leading New Zealand and international journals and treatises.

As part of a vibrant discipline, staff focus on producing excellent research on issues of national and international significance. The Department’s research landscape is informed by diverse research themes ranging from taxation to blockchain and the impact of the 4th industrial revolution on New Zealand’s commerce and society. Staff contribute commercial law perspectives to public debates and are actively involved in law reform. The Department holds regular seminars and conferences for the business community and the professions.

One of the hallmarks of the Department is a dedication to high quality teaching. Staff take pride in their record of teaching excellence.

We are privileged to be part of this inclusive, exciting and welcoming department.

Titiro atu matou ki te manaaki i a koe.


Professor Tana Pistorius
Head of Department