The College of Law New Zealand’s annual Ian Haynes Memorial Scholarship winner, Sheldon Kahui Rogers, sees a world of opportunities that have opened up by pursuing a career in law, and specifically property law. From working to improve Māori representation in the legal and judicial system, including current issues like those surrounding the Treaty of Waitangi, to working in private practice, government, or even internationally as a diplomat.

To describe 24-year-old Sheldon Kahui Rogers as a ‘high achiever’ acknowledges his numerous academic and sporting accolades, but what it does not recognise is his exceptional commitment to community and helping others. 

Growing up in Hamilton

Sheldon Rogers is one of seven children, he describes his upbringing as one of love and encouragement, something he is grateful for. His parents have always been involved in the community, including social work and working with the local rugby club, and so Sheldon was naturally drawn to both.

During school Sheldon worked as a youth worker, was selected to play for a range of semi-professional rugby league teams (including under 16s Melbourne Storm, under 18s Sydney Roosters and under 18s New Zealand), was Head Boy at school, captained sports teams and received the award for Top Academic Boy in year 12.

“It’s been natural in our family to aim high, we are not expected to always achieve, but aiming high is the main thing. Like the saying ‘Shoot for the Moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars’,” Sheldon explains.

Upon finishing school Sheldon was offered a contract to play for the New Zealand Warriors under 20s team, but instead of pursuing his sporting and academic interests he decided to undertake missionary work for two years in the Southwest of the United Kingdom. When he returned home in 2021, Sheldon was offered another contract to play semi-professional rugby in Brisbane, Australia. While Sheldon recognised he was gaining great life experiences and developing important skills like leadership, time management, determination and people skills, he decided it was time to turn his attention to the law.

Today, Sheldon is in his second year of law at Waikato University with a double major in psychology and is a part-time youth worker at Te Ahurei a Rangatahi youth organisation.

A legal calling

 Sheldon’s interest in the law was piqued early, he had friends growing up who were not as fortunate as him in terms of family guidance, and they ended up on the wrong side of the law. Sheldon would regularly attend court to support his friends and it was here that he witnessed the lack of Māori representation on the other side of the court room. 

Sheldon has grown up with a strong Māori worldview and he would like to improve Māori representation in the legal system. This is especially pertinent given the new coalition government’s review of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, or Treaty of Waitangi, which upholds Māori rights.

“We do not want a western ideology placed upon this founding document and so there is unrest around this. By studying law, I can get a better understanding of the legislation and help to be a voice in the future, to be a spokesperson or teacher,” Sheldon says.

While studying law at university Sheldon is not yet able to specialise, though he holds a specific interest in property law befitting his Ian Haynes Memorial Property Law Scholarship with the College of Law New Zealand.

“Along with Māori land rights, property law is an area of law that affects everybody’s lives through buying and selling and renting. I like working with people and helping people, and pursuing property law is one way I can do that,” Sheldon shares. “My nan was a family lawyer, which is another way you can help people in a time of need, but there are some very sad stories and I don’t know if that is a path I would want to go down.”

Along with pursuing law, Sheldon views social work as an important way he can give back.

“Social work is so fulfilling to me, helping the leaders of tomorrow, hopefully helping change their life and their direction. They are good kids they just have all this energy but don’t have the love and opportunity to put that energy in the right place - they get caught up in mischief. They need to be given time and the right energy.” 

A fitting tribute to Ian Haynes’ legacy 

The College of Law New Zealand’s longstanding Chair, Ian Haynes ONZM, devoted more than 60 years to the practice of property law, many considered his knowledge unparalleled. Ian held the positions of President of the New Zealand Law Society, Vice President of Law Asia, President of the Auckland District Law Society, and the Judicial Conduct Commissioner. 

Ian also made significant contributions to New Zealand legislation, this includes the “Haynes model” as it became known, the model for the restructure of the legal profession on which the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 is based. The College of Law New Zealand initiated the Ian Haynes Memorial Property Law Scholarship in recognition of Ian as an outstanding figure in the profession and to assist aspiring property lawyers in the commencement of their law degrees.

According to Sheldon, being awarded the scholarship has put him on the right track and been an “absolute blessing” opening important doors for him. 

“This scholarship has meant I could afford to accept the 6-week Prime Ministers Scholarship learning experience in India, where I am right now, and not be under pressure to work for that period of time in order to pay my university fees,” Sheldon explains. “It has meant I don’t have to get a student loan and relieves some of the pressure to save. The range of scholarships available those not considered ‘School leavers’ is very limited and so I am so grateful to receive the Ian Haynes scholarship.”

“It is interesting getting into a profession that is quite broad. You can go down so many different avenues with law, but I am genuinely interested in property law. And through my scholarship interviews I was fortunate enough to meet Chris Moore and Judge Beck, both have offered to mentor me and it just left me speechless, I couldn’t believe it.”

The future of lawyering

When asked if the role of a lawyer is changing given the impact of technology, environmental issues and continuing globalisation, Sheldon felt it is more about an evolution.

“I wouldn’t say changing but evolving, yes there are things like AI but every time a government changes, policies change, and so lawyers need to evolve. An example is the review into the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. Lawyers need to be able to evolve.”

Discussing the future Sheldon is open to many different options and is excited about his various options such as government work, international diplomacy, being a partner in a law firm or even starting his own. 

“Being in social work has showed me that it's something I really like to do and that brings me fulfillment, it fills up my cup. And so, if I can do that as a lawyer and help people, I think it will continue to fill my cup up as I go through my life,” Sheldon says. “If I'm enjoying what I do, it won't even feel like a day of work.”

Interested in Following Sheldon’s Path?

If you're passionate about making a difference through the law, the Ian Haynes Memorial Scholarship could be your opportunity to take the next step. Offering up to $12,000 over four years, this scholarship supports first-year law students transitioning into their second year, helping you focus on your studies without the financial burden.

Applications are now open for the 2024 scholarship round. Visit our scholarship page for more details and submit your application by 31 January 2024.