Candidate Statements for the position of Education Vice-President (Postgraduate) 2025
Trista Ma
As a first-year Mechanical Engineering PhD candidate at the Newmarket campus, I am uniquely positioned to serve as AUSA's Education Vice-President (Postgraduate).
My experience on AUSA's Postgraduate Consultation Committee in 2024 has given me valuable insight into the needs and challenges facing postgraduate students across the university.
I have demonstrated leadership through running the Mechanical Engineering Women in Engineering postgraduate group, fostering inclusivity, social and academic support within our community. This experience has honed my skills in advocacy and relationship-building, crucial for the PEVP role.
If elected, I will focus on four key areas:
1. Enhancing AUSA's presence on the Newmarket campus, serving as a direct link between AUSA and this often-overlooked student population.
2. Strengthening the connection with the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) to ensure postgraduate voices are heard in academic decision-making processes.
3. Increasing the number and visibility of academic-related workshops, ensuring better exposure for postgraduates, especially on campuses like Newmarket and Grafton.
I am committed to working collaboratively with the AUSA Executive, staff, and university departments to advocate for postgraduate students' interests. My experience and dedication make me well-suited to represent our diverse postgraduate community on academic committees and contribute meaningfully to policy development at the University of Auckland.
Arash Honaryar
My name is Arash Honaryar. I am a PhD candidate in the Department of Engineering Science, and I am excited to be running for the position of Postgraduate Education Vice-President at AUSA. I was awarded as a selected citizen of Shahin Shahr City in Iran in 2016. Also, I have been awarded the role of PhD Student Representative of Engineering Science & Biomedical Engineering at The University of Auckland. This role enables me to gain valuable experiences by communicating with students and academic staff, organizing a successful PG Social gathering event, and participating regularly in the SSCC meetings. I am deeply committed to representing and advocating for the interests of postgraduate students at The University of Auckland by establishing regular forums and feedback channels, to ensure that postgraduate students' voices are consistently heard and considered in academic decision-making processes, improving communications between postgraduate students and university departments such as implementing a digital network or platform where students can easily access updates on academic policies, ongoing projects, and available resources. Along with increasing their motivation by enhancing support services, including career development opportunities and mental health resources. If elected to the position, I will work tirelessly to ensure that postgraduate students have a strong voice and receive the support they need to succeed academically and personally and launch a comprehensive survey to gather input on the current challenges and needs of postgraduate students, using this data to guide my initiatives and create a supportive and resourceful environment for all postgraduate students.
Maira Beatriz Garcia Hijar
Kia ora, peers! I am thrilled to stand before you as a candidate for the AUSA Education Vice-President (Postgraduate) role. I come from a large, vibrant city in central Mexico and am working towards a doctorate in Education. I am interested in the human sense of a fulfilled life and its connection to the educational elements that enable us to develop and achieve whatever goals we have. I enjoy interacting with students from all over the world to broaden my perspectives as part of a community and, hopefully, with your help and support, as a student leader for the next 2025 executive term.
My aim, together with the President, will be to create a dynamic student body with boundless energy, respect, a listening ear, and perseverance to amplify your voices and bring the causes close to our hearts to fruition. I plan to initiate regular student-led forums, promote inclusive policies and ensure that our activities and decisions reflect the rich fabric of our student population. To this end, I will ensure that the e-mails dedicated to student services are duly attended to, providing a prompt response and solution to their needs. It is equally important to follow up on the issues that require it, such as student accommodation, academic and financial support for students to attend events, and a broader scope of scholarships. This school is more than an institution. It is a vibrant community where everyone has the potential to thrive and contribute. Let´s give it a go together!
Fania Kapao (Second Option)
Kia Orana! My name is Fania Kapao, and I am currently a postgraduate student at the University of Auckland, pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy. I have a deep passion for advocacy, politics, and service. My values of kindness, transparency, charisma, generosity, patience, and down-to-earth nature guide my actions and interactions with everyone. I believe in charity, mentorship, humour, and the power of a good laugh to foster a positive and connected student community.
If elected as Postgraduate Education Vice-President, I will focus on the following initiatives:
Public Transport Fares: Advocate for reduced fares for all students.
Support Mature Students: I will advocate for a Mature Students Welfare Officer role to be established for the next AUSA elections in 2025.
Networking events: I will work to ensure the needs of Postgrad students like me are satisfied.
Ensure students who are studying part-time, remotely or who are parents are included and advocated for when we are drafting events and policy.
Support Students for Fair Rent in Halls: Support fair rent practices in student halls.
Fair Work Conditions: Ensure living wages for students working part-time or casually for the university.
Group Work Contribution Forms: Implement forms to ensure fair contribution in group work.
Assignment Transparency: Make average, top, and bottom score information available for all uni assignments.
Together, let’s create a campus where happiness is a dream we all share, and where accountability, anti-corruption, and anti-gatekeeping are the norms. Let’s deliver results and ensure the welfare of all students.
A vote for me is a vote for you. Slay.