Every year, the University of Auckland students vote to elect fellow students who will make up the AUSA Executive, lead AUSA and act as representatives and spokespersons on their behalf. Being part of the Executive also means being part of the team that decides what AUSA does for students, amongst other things; and the broader mission of the roles is to represent and advocate for students across a wide range of issues by providing representation at some of the University’s highest decision-making bodies. Additionally, AUSA offers a plethora of student engagement activities on and off campus, as well as essential support services for students.
Nominations have closed and you can now vote online here
Candidate statements can be read here
22nd JulyNominations Open
2nd AugustNominations Close
5th AugustCampaigning Begins
12th AugustElection Voting Opens
23rd AugustElection Voting Closes
26th AugustFinal Results
The 2025 AUSA Executive is announced.
Considering Running For A Position
- Positions
- President
- Education Vice-President (Undergraduate)
- Education Vice-President (Postgraduate)
- Engagement Vice-President
- Wellbeing and Equity Vice-President
- Finance and Operations Vice-President
- International Students’ Officer
- Postgraduate Student Officer
- Women’s Rights Officer
- Queer Rights Officer
- Disability Rights Officer
AUSA is looking to elect our Student Executive for 2025, with eleven positions available such as President, Engagement Vice-President and much more. These are paid roles ranging from 10 hours to 40 hours a week. You can learn more about the roles and what they entail by clicking on the positions on the left.
You don’t need any prior experience in “student politics” or specific skills to run for a position. However, roles such as being a class rep, an executive member of a club or Faculty Association may come in handy. You’ll receive ample support in your role, but commitment, energy, and a desire to improve the University of Auckland for its students are necessary. Past winners have come from various backgrounds and programmes of study. Don’t hesitate to give it a try before the nomination closes!
You don’t need any prior experience in “student politics” or specific skills to run for a position. However, roles such as being a class rep, an executive member of a club or Faculty Association may come in handy. You’ll receive ample support in your role, but commitment, energy, and a desire to improve the University of Auckland for its students are necessary. Past winners have come from various backgrounds and programmes of study. Don’t hesitate to give it a try before the nomination closes!
The President of AUSA is the Chair of the AUSA Executive and the AUSA Student Council, responsible for leading the Executive in its governance of the Association and in developing the Executive’s goals. Every day as President is different, but ultimately it’s about bringing out the best in the Executive, encompassing the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), supporting and working alongside the AUSA General Manager, and representing our students on matters relating to the student community in its generality and its affiliated student societies. The President has many responsibilities, including, but not limited to:
- being the primary spokesperson and representative of AUSA – representing students and AUSA in the media;
- chairing Executive and Student Council meetings;
- act collectively as the democratic leadership of the student body at the University of Auckland and on behalf of the AUSA’s members to improve the student experience.
- supporting the AUSA General Manager in the management of AUSA; and
- fulfilling executive duties by attending regular executive meetings, Student Council meetings, and adhering to reporting expectations;
- representing students on University committees, University senior management, and working groups;
- leading AUSA’s governance of AUSA’s trusts and entities; and
- helping, as required, with any AUSA events or other student engagement initiatives.
The Education Vice-President (Undergraduate) (UEVP) is AUSA’s undergraduate representative on various academic decision-making bodies. The Education VP’s job is to voice the concerns and ideas of students to the University, often providing student feedback on consultations taking place across the University specific to the undergraduate student body. The Education Vice-President (Undergraduate) works closely with the AUSA Student Council, regularly engaging with our Faculty and School Associations. The Education Vice-President (Undergraduate) has many responsibilities, including, but not limited to:
Requirements: must be a current undergraduate student at the University of Auckland.
- being AUSA’s undergraduate representative on academic decision-making bodies (Senate, Education Committee, Teaching and Learning Quality Committee, Academic Programmes Committee and many others);
- Supports the President as a member of the SLT;
- providing student feedback on policy development at the University;
- fulfilling executive duties by attending regular executive meetings, Student Council meetings, and adhering to reporting expectations;
- working with the President to represent students, especially on an academic basis; and
- helping, as required, with any AUSA events or other student engagement initiatives.
Requirements: must be a current undergraduate student at the University of Auckland.
The Education Vice-President (Postgraduate) (PEVP) at AUSA plays a crucial role in advocating for and representing the interests of postgraduate students at the University of Auckland. The Education Vice-President (Postgraduate) is AUSA’s Postgraduate representative on various academic decision-making bodies. The position will work collaboratively with various University and AUSA departments to ensure that the perspectives of postgraduate students are integrated into academic decision-making processes at the University.
The Education Vice-President (Postgraduate) has many responsibilities, including, but not limited to:
Requirements: must be a Masters Student, or Doctoral Student (PhD or named Doctorate) at the University of Auckland, or who will commence a programme of Masters or Doctoral study at the University of Auckland no later than the start of the next full semester subsequent to the start of their term.
The Education Vice-President (Postgraduate) has many responsibilities, including, but not limited to:
- Being AUSA’s postgraduate representative on various academic decision-making bodies and committees Advocate for postgraduate students in collaboration with the AUSA President and Postgraduate Student Officer.
- To build relationships with University departments such as School of Graduate Studies, Campus Life, SGS, Inclusive learning and others.
- Attend and actively participate in AUSA Executive and Student Council meetings.
- Fulfill executive duties by attending regular executive meetings, Student Council meetings, and adhering to reporting expectations.
- Work closely with AUSA staff and Executive to collaboratively address the needs of postgraduate students.
- Provide student feedback on policy development at the University, ensuring that the concerns and ideas of postgraduate students are effectively communicated.
- Work and support the PG Officer in their role, responsibilities and engagements.
Requirements: must be a Masters Student, or Doctoral Student (PhD or named Doctorate) at the University of Auckland, or who will commence a programme of Masters or Doctoral study at the University of Auckland no later than the start of the next full semester subsequent to the start of their term.
The Engagement Vice-President (EngVP) of AUSA is responsible for championing issues that students care about outside of the University sphere – these might be causes like Climate Change, elections participation and engagement or anything that we think students need to care about and engage in. The Engagement Vice-President has many responsibilities, including, but not limited to:
- leading AUSA’s campaigns efforts – directed either at the University, Local or National Government (for example, campaigns related to free public transport, General Elections, Local body elections, etc.);
- Responsible for the management of the AUSA “Weeks Tender” programme and overseeing AUSA’s Themed Weeks
- Chairing the Craccum Administration Board
- Working with the Women’s Rights Officer and International Student Officer on their special edition magazines (KATE and UBUNTU)
- Supports the President as a member of the SLT;
- organizing submissions on behalf of AUSA and the student body on consultation opportunities provided by the local or national government
- fulfilling executive duties by attending regular executive meetings, Student Council meetings, and adhering to reporting expectations;
- organizing events related to issues concerning students; and
- helping, as required, with any AUSA events or other student engagement initiatives.
The Wellbeing and Equity Vice-President of AUSA is responsible for advocating for student interests on issues of equity and student support at the University. The Wellbeing & Equity Vice-President often coordinates various wellbeing initiatives alongside AUSA’s partners in the University (most often Campus Life and the Equity Office). The Wellbeing and Equity Vice-President has many responsibilities, including, but not limited to:
- Engaging with students on new students wellbeing initiatives;
- Representing AUSA on decision-making bodies at the University related to student support and equity;
- To be part of different Equity and Wellbeing related committees, advisory groups and networks at the University of Auckland.
- To build relationships with key stakeholders and be the connection between the University and AUSA in the wellbeing and equity space.
- Fulfilling executive duties by attending regular executive meetings, Student Council meetings, and adhering to reporting expectations;
- Supporting the President as a member of the SLT;
- Working with AUSA staff to ensure that AUSA is providing the best student support that it can; and
- Supporting, as required, with any AUSA events or other student engagement activities.
- Work with the AUSA Portfolio office holders to address the needs of recognised equity groups and communities.
The Finance and Operations Vice-President 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. The Finance and Operations Vice-President has many responsibilities, including, but not limited to:
- working with the President, AUSA General Manager and Accountant to create the AUSA Budget;
- monitoring AUSA’s financial performance throughout their term in office;
- fulfilling executive duties by attending regular executive meetings, Student Council meetings, and adhering to reporting expectations;
- Supports the President as a member of the SLT;
- participating in the governance of AUSA’s entities (UBIQ, Shadows, bFM, Property Trust); compiling minutes and agendas for Executive, SLT and Student Council meetings with the President and General Manager; and
- helping, as required, with any AUSA events or other student engagement initiatives.
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. The International Students’ Officer has many responsibilities, including, but not limited to:
Requirements: Must be an International Student at the University.
- representing international students on University decision-making bodies (mainly the International Committee);
- Working with the Engagement Vice-President on the development of the International Student Magazine (UBUNTU) attending and participating in AUSA Executive and Student Council meetings; chairing the AUSA International Student Subcommittee;
- fulfilling executive duties by attending regular executive meetings, Student Council meetings, and adhering to reporting expectations;
- working with AUSA Staff (often the Buddies Manager) to run events to support international students; and
- helping, as required, with any AUSA events or other student engagement initiatives.
Requirements: Must be an International Student at the University.
The role of Postgraduate Student Officer involves providing support to the postgraduate students cohort at the University of Auckland. This includes collaborating with the Postgraduate Education Vice President to address challenges faced by postgraduate students and overseeing the planning and execution of various activities and events tailored to meet their specific needs. The postgraduate Student Officer has many responsibilities, including, but not limited to:
Requirements: must be a Postgraduate Student at the University of Auckland or who will commence a programme of postgraduate study at the University of Auckland no later than the start of the next full semester subsequent to the start of their term
- Chair the AUSA Postgraduate Consultation Committee To address specific concerns and initiatives relevant to postgraduate students.
- Working collaboratively with the AUSA Staff and PG Education Vice President to put on events that are relevant for postgraduate students, including Lunch & Learn in collaboration with SGS.
- Manage and run Postgraduate facilities and student communication (PG Lounge, email, newsletter, noticeboard)
- Fulfilling executive duties by attending regular executive meetings, Student Council meetings, and adhering to reporting expectations.
- To run events that engage Postgraduate students and improve their student experience (academic, social, and professional) on campus.
- Provide feedback on PG student issues and experience within the University environment.
- Serve as a representative for Postgraduate students on academic decision-making bodies, and various committees supported by the Postgraduate Education Vice President.
- Work and support the PG Education Vice President in their role, responsibilities and support.
Requirements: must be a Postgraduate Student at the University of Auckland or who will commence a programme of postgraduate study at the University of Auckland no later than the start of the next full semester subsequent to the start of their term
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. The Women’s Rights Officer has many responsibilities, including, but not limited to:
Requirements: Must be a self-identifying woman student at the University of Auckland.
- advocating for gender equity at the University, particularly through University committees and decision-making bodies;
- attending and participating in AUSA Executive and Student Council meetings;
- Working with the Engagement Vice-President on the development of the KATE Magazine
- chairing the AUSA Mana Wahine Subcommittee;
- fulfilling executive duties by attending regular executive meetings, Student Council meetings, and adhering to reporting expectations;
- working with AUSA staff and Executive members to put on events;
- putting on events and developing a sense of culture in Womenspace;
- Holding office hours in Womenspace; and
- helping as required with any AUSA events or other student engagement initiatives.
Requirements: Must be a self-identifying woman student at the University of Auckland.
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. The Queer Rights Officer has many responsibilities, including, but not limited to:
Requirements: Must be a self-identifying queer student at the University of Auckland.
- representing our queer student community on University decision-making bodies (mainly in Equity related committees and working groups);
- attending and participating in AUSA Executive and Student Council meetings;
- chairing the AUSA Queer Student Council subcommittee;
- fulfilling executive duties by attending regular executive meetings, Student Council meetings, and adhering to reporting expectations;
- working with AUSA Staff and Executive members to put on events;
- putting on events and developing a sense of culture in Queerspace;
- holding office hours in Queerspace; and
- helping as required with any AUSA events or other student engagement initiatives.
Requirements: Must be a self-identifying queer student at the University of Auckland.
The Disability Rights Officer of AUSA is responsible for advocating for and representing our disability student community at the University of Auckland. Additionally, the Disability Officer is tasked with building a sense of community. The responsibilities of the Disability Rights Officer include, but are not limited to:
Requirements: Must be a student who self-identifies as part of the disabled community at the University of Auckland.
- Representing our disabled student community on university decision-making bodies (mainly in equity-related committees and working groups)
- Attending and participating in AUSA Executive and Student Council meetings Chairing the AUSA Disabled Students Subcommittee
- Fulfilling executive duties by attending regular executive meetings and Student Council meetings, and adhering to reporting expectations
- Working with AUSA staff and executive members to organize events
- Putting on events and developing a sense of culture at the University of Auckland
- Create strong relationships with University departments that provide support to the disability on campus.
- Assisting with any AUSA events or other student engagement initiatives as required
Requirements: Must be a student who self-identifies as part of the disabled community at the University of Auckland.
Becoming a Candidate
Ensure you are eligible to run for a position.
Please nominate yourself by following this link [nomination form link]. Provide all the necessary information about your candidacy, including a picture of yourself, a description of your background, and your proposal for the nomination. This information will be published by AUSA across various media platforms and on the Engage platform, where voting will take place.
Ensure you submit your nomination form before the closing date (complete with your statement and a headshot.
Ensure you have read and understood the AUSA Election Rules and Procedures 2024
Voting
Voting is from 9 am Monday 12 August to 5 pm Friday 23 August.
To vote, simply use the electronic system provided on Engage. The link will go live when voting opens.
All University of Auckland enrolled students are eligible to vote in the student elections and it doesn’t matter if you aren’t a member of AUSA. Therefore, you are strongly encouraged to vote. The individuals elected will have the power to make decisions that may impact all students, so selecting the candidate you believe would best represent your interests is crucial. The process is quick and easy; you will be able to learn more about the candidates by visiting the ‘Candidates statement page’.
In addition, you can keep up to date with the Election, get to know the candidates, and more by following the Facebook event page when it goes live.