Matiu Dickson was Associate Dean Māori in "Te Piringa - Faculty of Law" at the
University of Waikato. He served there from 1996, when he took a position as a lecturer following years of practicing law. Mr. Dickson held a law degree, as well as a post-graduate diploma from
Auckland Teachers' College. He was noted by colleagues for his work in Māori activism. As part of that activism, Matiu Dickson served four terms on city councils. Additionally, he chaired the Te Runanga o Kirikiriroa Charitable Trust. Matiu was a keen exponent of
kapa haka (traditional performing arts). He served as a judge at the national
Te Matatini Kapa Haka Festival. Matiu died suddenly and unexpectedly during the opening ceremony for the University of Waikato's new Law and Management building. ==Family==