Michael John Kidd - BA, LLB
Michael John Kidd was awarded a BA and LLB from the University in 1979, and has since embarked on a successful career working around the Pacific.
After graduating Michael was admitted as a barrister and solicitor, working for New Zealand firms before he moved to Australia in 1985.
In New South Wales, Michael worked as a private investigator, and then became a locum lawyer for the NSW Corrective Services. In 1989 he joined the Aboriginal Legal Services and worked in the outback and Tasmania on and off for six years. In 1993 he took up the position of head solicitor at the Blue Mountains Community Legal Centre in Katoomba.
From 1999 to 2001 Michael worked in Fiji, training lawyers for admission to the South Pacific Bar. He was appointed a special mediator by President Ratu Mara during the May 2000 coup.
Back in New Zealand from 2002 to 2005, Michael specialised in criminal and human rights. He worked as the observer for the International Commission of Jurists on the Ahmed Zaoui case, before heading back to Australia to work as an associate at Nimbin Law in NSW, a job he currently still holds.
Throughout his career Michael has furthered his education at various universities, gaining a Master of Laws in 1994, Master of Education in 2001, PhD in trans-disciplinary studies in 2004 and a Bachelor of Ministry in 2005. He was ordained a pastor in 2005.
Stemming from his PhD in trans-disciplinary studies looking into the relationship between the law, Aboriginal land rights and genocide, Michael has written a book entitled The Sacred Wound of Australia due for release shortly.
Michael has colourful memories of his time at The University of Auckland and vividly remembers the closing days of the Vietnam protests and Pentagon papers.
He involved himself in many aspects of student life, including being a Senate rep, orientation controller, running for president of the student association and editing the Law School student paper WRIT. He also created a poetry/dance collage in honour of his late friend James K Baxter which was very popular at the time.
Lecturers who left a lasting impression on Michael include Professor Jack Northey, Associate Professor Bill Hodge, Associate Professor Bernie Brown, Dr Ruth Butterworth, Kendrick Smithyman and Colin McCahon.
When he is not working Michael enjoys reading and writing. He currently works part-time as a lawyer so he can concentrate on publishing and film-making.
