Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Otago law academic wins US study scholarship

Updated at 7:13 pm on 8 November 2011

A University of Otago law academic has been awarded this year's Fulbright Senior Scholar Award, which will enable her to study in the United States.

Jacinta Ruru affiliates to Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Ranginui and Ngati Maniapoto.

The scholarship is sponsored by Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga - the Centre of Research Excellence - which supports research relevant to Maori communities.

It also gives scholars an opportunity to take part in an international educational and cultural exchange programme.

Ms Ruru aims to explore the potential for property law to be changed to support indigenous claims to own or govern publicly owned land and natural resources.

She will study at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University in Tempe.

Ms Ruru says spending time with the American Indians and scholars there will help her to learn how she can bring about change for Maori from their experiences.

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