Summary
Note: This episode of Hey, Did You Know? An AUT Podcast was recorded on 8 October 2025.
In the second episode of Hey, Did You Know? An AUT Podcast, public international law expert Dr Myra Williamson chats to host Susan Strongman about Palestinian statehood, the role of the United Nations, New Zealand’s foreign policy, and whether international law really is law.
Dr Williamson is a senior lecturer at AUT with a broad range of research interests. She’s published extensively on terrorism, the use of force by states, human rights, gender equality and justice, renters’ rights, seabed mining, genocide and more.
Dr Williamson previously taught law at Waikato University, at universities in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and at an international school in Aleppo, Syria. In the 2023 general election she ran, unsuccessfully, for the Labour Party in Hamilton West, where she was born, raised, and currently lives.
Main Topics and Discussion
Palestinian statehood & foreign policy
- A UN finding of genocide in Gaza adds pressure on NZ to recognise a Palestinian state: https://theconversation.com/a-un-finding-of-genocide-in-gaza-adds-pressure-on-nz-to-recognise-a-palestinian-state-265473
- The World Court says Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land is illegal: 4 steps NZ can take now: https://theconversation.com/the-world-court-says-israels-occupation-of-palestinian-land-is-illegal-4-steps-nz-can-take-now-235878
- New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters addresses United Nations General Debate, 80th Session: https://youtu.be/yQvYd5rgR6U?si=sNBZUbhheFE96S1f
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Credits
Host – Susan Strongman
Editors – Velvl-Kai Ryder, Susan Strongman
Producer – Mike Kilpatrick
Executive Producer – Nicola Igusa
Music – Clinton Watkins
Design – AUT Brand Team
