Candidate Statements 2023 II

If a candidate is running for more than one position then their preference is indicated in brackets after their name.

Below are the Candidate Statements for the positions of Treasurer/Secretary, International Students' Officer, Postgraduate Students' Officer, Queer Rights Officer and Women's Rights Officer.

For the positions of President, Education Vice-President, Engagement Vice-President, and Welfare Vice-President see here.

Treasurer / Secretary

The Treasurer-Secretary is the administrative right hand to the President, responsible for assisting the President in managing the Executive and overseeing AUSA’s financial performance and strategy.

Ananya Garg

Nominator: Paris Taylor
Seconder: Puthponita Chhun

My name is Ananya garg and I am running for the position of Treasurer-Secretary for AUSA for 2024. As, a first year BCOM student majoring in Accounting and Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Business school, I believe that the student voice and experience are paramount in shaping the vibrant university community. If elected I will foster a 2-way street approach where I contribute my skills and dedication to service at the AUSA while reaping the benefits of personal and professional growth. As a treasurer-secretary my aim would be to ensure that every financial decision is centred around enhancing the student experience here at the university. Additionally I believe that the student voice and concern should be heard and acted upon. Beyond the commitment to the student wellbeing, I see this role as a platform for professional development. Aligning perfectly with my academic and career choices this will be an invaluable chance for me to gain knowledge and learn new skills. If you want to see a meaningful and transformative student experience then support and vote me.

Sarah White

Nominator: Alan Shaker
Seconder: Noor Randhawa

Kia ora, my name is Sarah and I’m excited to stand for the position of Treasurer-Secretary! I am a third-year Law and Commerce student running for this role because I truly have a passion for working with and supporting students.

University is not only about the piece of paper at the end, but it’s also about the experience, and I love seeing the changes we can make together. AUSA’s pillars of student voice, engagement and experience are fundamental in supporting all students’ success. I aim to promote student voice by campaigning for the increased support and involvement of all students and student groups on some of the highest committees here at UOA. As the current Co-President of the Commerce Students’ Association, my goal has been to promote engagement and well-being amongst the Business faculty, and I aim to continue this University-wide. I also aim to diversify the opportunities that AUSA offers, ensuring they are topical and relevant to students and real-world issues. As treasurer-secretary I want to ensure financial sustainability and transparency, by securing new and long-term funding agreements with the University and external partners, ensuring this money comes back to benefit you.

If you have any questions for me, or just want to reach out, please feel free to message me at any time!

Alex Yang (2)

Nominator: Grace Chen
Seconder: Layba Zubair

Kia ora everyone!

Alex Yang here again. I’m also running to be your next treasurer/secretary because I have excellent administrative, communications and financial skills, and I want to be YOUR voice in front of decision-makers.

I recently co-coordinated the Model Asia Pacific Forum, which hosted 200 students and 40 volunteers. I oversaw a range of matters including grant applications, sponsorship, educational material, and logistics. Last year I was the communications manager for the Auckland Forum, aimed at helping school leavers transition more smoothly into tertiary life. I ensured accurate and timely communications with various parties including participants, schools, and various levels within UN Youth.

I’m well prepared to be your voice on top university committees. I’ve been the undergraduate rep of the Institute of Marine Science, and class rep for 6 different courses. Currently I’m part of the Afternoon Tea with the Dean programme, a small student group that advises the Dean of Law on student experience. I’m also representing 1,600 residents at Carlaw Park Student Village on the Residential Advisory Committee and the Health and Safety Committee.

If I become your treasurer/secretary next year, I’ll ensure that AUSA runs smoothly so YOUR voice is always heard.

International Students' Officer

The International Students’ Officer (ISO) of AUSA is responsible for advocating for and representing our International Students and working with the AUSA Executive and Staff to support our International Students

Yueyang Chen (1)

Nominator: Md Mahmud Hussain
Seconder: Zishun Yao

Hi Everyone!

This is Yueyang CHEN, I am currently a PhD student at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Auckland.Born in China, lived and studied in Europe, I am highly adaptive to various cultures, at the same time, I am also a good communicator.

As for me, either International Students’ Officer or Postgraduate Student Officer means to help students.

I was the vice president of Chinese Students and Scholars Association in Norway, Career Associate of Australia China Youth Association. At present, I am the student rep of the Faculty of Engineering. These helps me not only to gain the first-hand experience of knowing what students are really thinking, but also enable me to understand student with totally different backgrounds. It is intriguing to reflect what students’ needs are from the really beginning. My past experiences have also enriched and trained me to be an easy-going and open-minded listener, as well as, a great problem solver.

I believe making differences is not just by saying, it is more about understanding the whole system and fundamentals, which are the students. I would like to be the person to help strengthen the foundation both for our university and you!

Lee Li (2)

Nominator: Ash Zhang
Seconder: Junpu Wang

Kia ora! I am Lee (she/her), and I am thrilled to run for International Student Officer 2024. As a passionate third-year Media & Communication student, I have led the Art+ team and served as Vice President of the Mandarin Social Group.

Having been an international student myself, I intimately understand the unique challenges and hurdles we face when studying abroad. The language barrier and cultural shock can be overwhelming. That's why I took the initiative to bridge the gap between local and Chinese student communities through my work with the Mandarin Social Group.

Under my leadership, I have successfully supported and empowered Chinese international students, collaborating closely with AUSA and Carlaw Student Village to revolutionise international student engagement.

As your International Student Officer, I promise to be a strong voice for all international students, tirelessly advocating for our rights and welfare. Let's create an inclusive and supportive environment where every international student can flourish. Join me in this transformative journey by voting for Lee as your International Student Officer, and together, we'll make a lasting impact!

Mahek Nagar

Nominator: Alan Shaker
Seconder: David Tuifua

Kia ora and Namaste!

My name is Mahek Nagar and I am an International student from the boisterous city of Mumbai, India.

I am a second year undergraduate majoring in psychology and constantly whining the amount of statistics that comes with it.

I have been AUSAs International Students Officer for 2023 and I am rerunning for another term.

Why?

If I had to put it in a phrase, you could say I ran for the role the first time and I am running for the responsibilities now that I know what this role is.

Being in this position has tried, tested and fulfilled me. But nowhere made me satisfied. I have so much to give back to my community, so much to fight for.

It has been a busy year as ISO 2023 and if I were to get elected, I would hit the ground running asap and continue ongoing conversations/operations in my role.

Oh and also also pick up a copy of UBUNTU if you’re reading this in week 4 and even if you’re not hehe.

Zhuoyuan Pan (1)

Nominator: Melvin Ling
Seconder: Ray Wang

Hello everyone, my name is Zhuoyuan Pan, and you can call me Pan. Last year, I served as the class representative for URBPLANN. I ran for the position of International Student Officer, and together with our team, we accomplished many great initiatives. However, we also identified some issues faced by international students who arrive in New Zealand unfamiliar with the surroundings. They often feel lost and require assistance with their studies and daily life. Unfortunately, obtaining support from the school proves to be quite challenging for us. Therefore, I am determined to do my best in assisting fellow students to thrive in their academic and personal experiences in New Zealand

Postgraduate Student Officer

The Postgraduate Student Officer (PGO) of AUSA is responsible for representing our Postgraduate Students at the University of Auckland, working with the Education Vice-President to ensure that postgraduate student perspectives are included in University decision-making.

Ben Bonné

Nominator: Alan Shaker
Seconder: Varsha Ravi

Kia ora!

My name is Ben Bonné, and I am thrilled to be running to be elected as your AUSA Postgraduate Student Officer for 2024!

As an aspiring secondary school history teacher, I have a strong passion for working with people and making a positive difference. Currently in my final semester of my undergraduate Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in history and sociology, I have exciting plans for at least two more years of postgraduate study, including honours in History and a postgraduate diploma in secondary teaching.

Throughout the past year, I’ve had the privilege of serving on AUSA’s Advocacy team, where I have actively engaged and supported a wide range of students from across the university, including various postgraduate students, which has provided me with insights into the experiences of our diverse postgraduate community.

This experience on AUSA’s advocacy team has informed my vision for 2024:

To bridge the gap between postgraduate and undergraduate students by organising more collaborative events
To elevate the voices of postgraduate students, in partnership with PGSA, to ensure that the needs, experiences and desires ofpostgraduate students inform decision-making at the university,

For more info about my campaign, check out my FB page.

Yueyang Chen (2)

Nominator: Md Mahmud Hussain
Seconder: Zishun Yao

Hi Everyone!

As for me, either International Students’ Officer or Postgraduate Student Officer means to help students.

Fania Kapao (2)

Nominator: Lewis Matheson Creed
Seconder: Christopher Gerred

Hi There! My name is Fania, and im standing for the position of postgraduate officer. I am currently studying a masters of Public Policy. The jump from undergrad to postgrad is daunting and I want to foster a community spirit to make this process more enjoyable and less intimidating :)

I am passionate about creating links and building bonds. I think our postgrad community should be less divided. I want to integrate and merge the cultures of those who have industry experience and are upskilling and those of us who have carried on straight from undergrad (like me). Doing so should provide an environment conducive to not only learning from lecturers, but also from each other as fellow students of differing professional levels. As well as boosting the enjoyment of student life. That is the way in which I believe my candidacy and campaign endorses the support of postgraduate students. I approach things on a holistic basis. To care for the academic and the pastoral. To care for the person chasing the paper.

Although just entering postgraduate studies fresh off of my Bachelor's in Global studies, I have worked in industries ranging from governmental placements to insurance, music to art, education to retail, while studying. I love to engage in multi-disciplinary discussions and have a big heart for looking after others. I hope you will feel confident in trusting me :)

Queer Rights Officer

The Queer Rights Officer (QRO) of AUSA is responsible for advocating for and representing our LGBTQIATakatapui+ community here at UoA. In addition, the QRO is responsible for building a sense of community in Queerspace, our community space for queer-identifying students.

Lee Li (1)

Nominator: Ash Zhang
Seconder: Junpu Wang

Kia ora! I'm Lee (she/her), and I'm thrilled to run for Queer Rights Officer 2024. A third-year Media & Communication student, I led the Art+ team and served as Mandarin Social Group Vice President.

As the first trans-female in this role at the Faculty of Arts, I'm proud of the change I made, yet we must do more for equality and inclusion. Daily practices like using the toilets can be unapproachable for trans & gender-diverse students, excluding them from a simple activity we take for granted. No unisex facility in the library creates discomfort and insecurity for gender-diverse students.

I'll champion our community, advocating for inclusion, equality, and diversity. My focus is on gender-affirming facilities and signs, fostering a much safer, inclusive learning environment.

Together, we'll make change happen. Join me in creating a university that embraces everyone's identity. Let's achieve equality, inclusion and diversity and make a lasting impact. #VoteforLee as Queer Rights Officer, and together, we'll drive positive transformation.

I made the change, and I am making the change, so why don’t you join me and make the change together?

Luna Lyra le Fay (1)

Nominator: Ava Skye
Seconder: Theo van de Klundert

I was homeless soon after coming out as transgender. I was too young to look after myself and Tauranga wasn’t a safe place for a trans person back then. I was lucky that I found a community at Rainbow Youth. The friends I made there kept me off the street and helped me to get on my feet. They left me with a lasting drive to give back to this community, which I have worked towards in the many years since.

So far I’ve done volunteering at Rainbow Youth, counsellor training at Youthline, become a member of PATHA, been elected onto the Rainbow Youth executive board, but I am most proud of my role as secretary of Trans on Campus. During my time as an executive, it has grown from a once a semester meetup to a large and active community. I have represented ToC on the Queer Student Council since the start of this year, which has given me even more opportunities to volunteer in the queer advocacy of this campus community.

With the growth of the trans campus community, issues facing trans students have become more apparent. Next year, we must have a QRO who understands these issues.

Brendan MacLeod (1)

Nominator: Mahlia Page
Seconder: Chris Oliver

Kia Ora, I’m Brendan MacLeod, a Gay Cis-man running for AUSA Queer Rights Officer and Welfare VP.

I am studying a Bachelor of Science and Arts. At the university, I’m a Science Ambassador and Class Representative, proving that I’m not afraid to express student views to bring change at Waipapa Taumata Rau and help students like you!

In 2024, I will bring Strong Representation, More Inclusivity, Community and Student Voice!

As Queer Rights Officer, I will:

Ensure that our identities are celebrated by ensuring minority and LGBTQIA+ students significantly shape Waipapa Taumata Rau.
Provide more interfaculty LGBTQIA+ events to promote inclusivity and develop our community into a loving whānau.
Bring more support for LGBTQIA+ neurodiverse students and students with learning disabilities.
Implement more representation in our course via education of queer figures that have shaped our fields.

As Welfare VP:

I’ve experienced hardship and want to give back to students.
I’ll ensure that neurodiverse students and students with learning disabilities receive more resources as their services are seriously underfunded.
I'll Prioritise Mental Health and promote work-life balance by providing workshops and strengthening networks of care so we can remove barriers to students.

You deserve strong representation. Be Proud, Vote MacLeod!

Women's Rights Officer

The Women’s Rights Officer (WRO) of AUSA is responsible for advocating for and representing all self-identifying women on campus. In addition, the WRO is answerable for building a sense of community in Womenspace, our community space for self-identifying women on campus.

Jade Butler (2)

Nominator: Blue
Seconder: Ulysses Solaris

Kia Ora! I’m Jade Butler, running for Women’s Rights Officer (& Vice President of Engagement). I’m in my second year studying a BCom/BA conjoint.

As WRO, I’ll work to promote gender equity on campus; I believe that feeling safe on campus is essential for all students. By engaging with University committees and decision-making bodies, I will advocate for inclusive policies that address the unique challenges self-identifying women face. Female students’ health and well-being are essential to their time at UoA, so I’m committed to creating a supportive environment for all female students to have confidence about their rights, freedoms and choices on campus (and beyond).

In my personal life, I’m often the one to bring awareness to friends and family on Women’s Rights matters, such as Roe v. Wade being overturned in the US (where I’m from), which gets me riled up!

Since Middle School and ongoing, I’ve been able to attend executive-driven meetings both in an academic environment and out in the workforce. I have developed strong skills for participating in student council meetings, including interfacing with multiple representatives.

Thanks for considering me as your candidate, and I hope you will vote for me as I look forward to representing you!

Clover Huang (2)

Nomindator: Sherry Qiu
Seconder: Yuepei Xu

Hi, my name is Clover. I am currently studying LLB/BAdvSci (Environmental Change). I am running for the Engagement Vice-President and Woman’s Rights Office for 2024.

It’s my honour to collaborate with AUSA executives, more than ten clubs and meet distinctive women as the Public Relations Officer. This inspires me to step out of my comfort zone. I believe that helping students engage and enjoy uni life is the most important job of AUSA. That is why I am running for the Engagement Vice-President and Woman’s Rights Office. Helping everyone access the colourful and meaningful uni life they want will be my main focus in 2024.

As a woman with a Chinese background, I am proud of my identity, especially the traditional culture. I am dedicated to Creating a safe space for all students to be proud and celebrate their cultural identities, especially for women in different cultures to be heard.

If I am elected, I will empower you to engage with each other to spark new possibilities.

Thanks for your time, and vote for Clover, please!

Anna Sue

Nominator: Folau Tu’inukuafe
Seconder: Layba Zubair

Hi everyone!

I’m Anna, and I’m in my fourth year studying for a Bachelor of Arts and Global Studies Conjoint. I am running to be your Women’s Rights Officer for 2024.

From the very beginning of my university life, I have been involved in student representation. This involves being a UniGuide, Class Representative, Arts+ Team Leader, AUSA Student Council, President of AUGSS and Co-president of Thursdays in Black (TIB).

My dedication to student advocacy is founded on my passion to create a more safe and inclusive environment for all students. Through my engagement in Thursdays in Black, and AUSA’s Mana Wahine Committee, I have gained valuable insight into how the University of Auckland operates regarding women’s issues.

I am running because I am personally invested in bettering the university experience for all self-identifying women. This means providing more opportunities for empowering women and ensuring pastoral care and sexual harm policies are led with student voices.

My goal is to ensure all students- specifically all women feel safe, seen and heard on and off campus. I will fight for your voices to be heard, and I will also be a friendly shoulder for you to lean on.

Thank you for reading and please vote for Anna as your incoming WRO!