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Dr

Maria Pozza

(She/her)

Senior Lecturer

School of Landscape Architecture

  • Senior Lecturer
    School 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 Technologies
    Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand2025 - present

ACADEMIC POSITIONS

  • Adjunct Lecturer in Aviation Law
    Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand2022 - present
  • PhD Supervisor, Space Governance, Law and Policy
    University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand2020 - 2024
  • Lecturer, International Relations
    Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand2018 - 2018
  • Course Coordinator and Lecturer, Cyber Security and International Relations
    Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand2017 - 2017
  • Tutor, Teaching Assistant and Research Support Roles
    University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand2014 - present

DEGREES

  • PhD
    University 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 Research
    City, University of London, London, United Kingdom
  • LLB(Hons)
    Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom

CERTIFICATIONS

  • NZ Law and Practice Examinations
    New Zealand Council of Legal Education, New Zealand
  • Bar Vocational Course
    Inns 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 Supervisor
    New Zealand Law Society, Wellington, New Zealand
  • Certificate to Practice on Own Account
    New Zealand Law Society, Wellington, New Zealand
  • Called to the Bar of England and Wales
    Inns of Court
  • Admitted Barrister and Solicitor of New Zealand
    New Zealand Law Society, Wellington, New Zealand

LANGUAGES

  • Italian
    Can read, write, speak and understand
  • French
    Can read and understand
  • Arabic
    Can 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

FIELDS OF RESEARCH (2020)