Secretariat
Chris Gallavin
Director & Programme Coordinator
Prof Chris Gallavin is the Chief Executive of Sisters of Compassion Group Ltd and the former Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Massey University.
He is the current Director of NZ Centre for Global Studies, and Programme Coordinator for the Global Law and Governance Programme.
Chris is recognised nationally and internationally as an expert in the area of criminal justice. He has presented at more than 35 conferences, and has in excess of 1000 media citations.
His contribution to Independent Research Solutions is highly valuable and ensures complex legal policy concerns are considered. Chris offers legal consultancy services of the highest standard.
Ria Shibata
Senior Research Fellow
Dr Ria Shibata earned her Masters degree in global studies from Sophia University, and Ph.D. in peace and conflict studies from the University of Otago, New Zealand.
She is the Centre’s first Senior Research Fellow, with the support of Toda Peace Institute (Tokyo). She is also a Visiting Scholar at the University of Auckland.
Her primary research interest is in conflict resolution and reconciliation in Northeast Asia with particular focus on the intricate aspects of national identity, historical memory, and competitive victimhood. One of her interests lies in understanding the way collective memories of historical traumas shape a group’s identity, often acting as impediments in restoring damaged relationships between the aggrieved and the aggressor. Read more
Kiraan Chetty
Research Fellow
Kiraan is the Research Fellow in Global Law and Governance at the Centre. He is also Tutor in Philosophy at the University of Auckland. Kiraan has a BA in Philosophy, Politics & International Relations, a BA Hons (First Class Honours) in Philosophy, and is currently completing an MA.
Recipient of the Harry Hodson Prize (The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs) and the GWR Ardley Research Award (University of Auckland), Kiraan’s focus is on identity, community, and justice on the global level – at the intersection of social, political, and legal theory.
For a recent publication, see Chetty, Kiraan. ‘The Theory and Practice of Self-Determination at the UN: Challenges for International Law, Prospects for Global Governance‘ (Global Studies Research Series 10, 2023).
Joanna Tao
Secretary
Joanna Tao is Secretary for the Centre. She has a Masters in Global Studies from Auckland University (in Environment & Sustainable Development), and has been granted a number of environmental awards, including ‘Keep New Zealand Beautiful’, the Sir Peter Blake Award and the St Francis of Assisi Award.
In 2016 she participated in the NZCGS Global Citizenship conference in Wellington.