Dr
Maria PozzaProfile page
(She/her)
Senior Lecturer
School of Landscape Architecture
- Senior LecturerSchool of Landscape Architecture
- Forbes 809, Centre for Geospatial and Computing Techoloiges,Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand
BIO
I am a Senior Lecturer in Applied Computing at Lincoln University and an internationally recognized researcher, legal practitioner, and governance specialist whose work focuses on the intersection of space law, technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, privacy and regulatory compliance. I provide regular expert analysis and commentary for New Zealand and international radio and television media on significant developments, current affairs, and policy issues relating to space activities and the wider space industry.
My research explores how legal, regulatory compliance, and governance frameworks, can support innovation while ensuring responsible, secure and sustainable use of emerging technologies. Alongside my academic role, I am a practising Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, where my legal work includes advice on domestic NZ space law and policy and international space law, technology law, cybersecurity law, aviation policy and law, privacy, artificial intelligence and regulatory compliance.
My professional experience spans legal practice, governance, risk management and policy development across public and private sectors in New Zealand and internationally. I contribute to international scholarship and policy development through editorial, education, publications, and advisory and governance roles with organizations focused on space law, governance, sustainability and regulatory compliance. My research and engagement activities seek to bridge academic knowledge and practical application, supporting governments, industry and international institutions navigating complex technological and regulatory challenges. Through teaching, research and public engagement, I aim to foster informed decision-making, innovation, and responsible stewardship of emerging technologies and outer space.
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY APPOINTMENTS
- Senior Lecturer, Centre for Geospatial and Computing TechnologiesLincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand2025 - present
ACADEMIC POSITIONS
- Adjunct Lecturer in Aviation LawMassey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand2022 - present
- PhD Supervisor, Space Governance, Law and PolicyUniversity of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand2020 - 2024
- Lecturer, International RelationsVictoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand2018 - 2018
- Course Coordinator and Lecturer, Cyber Security and International RelationsVictoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand2017 - 2017
- Tutor, Teaching Assistant and Research Support RolesUniversity of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand2014 - present
DEGREES
- PhDUniversity of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- MIntSt (Distinction)University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- MBA (Distinction)Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
- Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Skills and ResearchCity, University of London, London, United Kingdom
- LLB(Hons)Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
CERTIFICATIONS
- NZ Law and Practice ExaminationsNew Zealand Council of Legal Education, New Zealand
- Bar Vocational CourseInns of Court School of Law, London, United Kingdom
- Integrated Data Privacy Professional (IDP)OCEG
- Integrated Risk Management Professional (RMP)OCEG
- Integrated Policy Management Professional (IPMP)OCEG
- Trust Account SupervisorNew Zealand Law Society, Wellington, New Zealand
- Certificate to Practice on Own AccountNew Zealand Law Society, Wellington, New Zealand
- Called to the Bar of England and WalesInns of Court
- Admitted Barrister and Solicitor of New ZealandNew Zealand Law Society, Wellington, New Zealand
LANGUAGES
- ItalianCan read, write, speak and understand
- FrenchCan read and understand
- ArabicCan read and understand
UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
- 4 Quality Education
- 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
- 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- 17 Partnerships for the Goals
AVAILABILITY
- Career advice
- Collaborative projects
- Industry Projects
- Join a web conference as a panellist or speaker
- Masters Research or PhD student supervision
- Media enquiries
- Membership of an advisory committee
- Mentoring (long-term)
- Mentoring (short-term)
- Teaching provision
- Technical support