AUSA
By-ElectionQueer Rights Officer 2026

Vote online 12 – 23 October 2026

Meet your
CANDIDATES!

Queer Rights Officer By-Election Vote online from 9:00 am, Monday 12 October

Meet the candidates

The Candidates

Two candidates are standing for Queer Rights Officer. Statements and initiatives appear as each candidate submitted them, listed alphabetically by surname. Vote online at ausa.nz/vote from 9:00 am Monday 12 October to 5:00 pm Friday 23 October 2026.

Candidate · Queer Rights Officer

Xiangrong Jiang

Kia ora! I'm Xiangrong, a postgraduate student studying a Master of Data Science at Waipapa Taumata Rau. As a member of the rainbow community, I know how isolating uni can feel when you don't see yourself reflected around you. I want every queer and gender-diverse student to feel seen, safe and supported on campus.

If elected Queer Officer, I will:

Build connection: run regular, low-pressure events (study sessions, film nights, coffee catch-ups) with UniQ and other clubs. That includes making space for postgrad and international rainbow students, who often get left out.
Make support easy to find: create one clear, up-to-date guide to rainbow-friendly health, counselling, housing and gender-affirming services.
Use data to drive change: run an anonymous survey on rainbow students' safety, belonging and wellbeing, then use the results to push the University for real improvements: more all-gender bathrooms, easier name and pronoun changes in university systems, and better staff training.
Speak up: bring queer students' voices to AUSA and University committees, and act quickly when issues come up.
Celebrate us: champion visibility during Pride Week and all year round, standing with takatāpui, trans, non-binary and intersectional communities.

I'll be approachable and accountable, and I'll post regular updates on what I've achieved. Vote Xiangrong for a campus where every rainbow student belongs!

Xiangrong’s initiatives

Rainbow students are much more likely to face anxiety, depression and isolation than their peers. For many of us, the hardest part isn't knowing support exists. It's finding support that understands our specific experience. A queer international student far from home, a trans student going through medical transition, and a takatāpui or Pasifika rainbow student balancing culture and identity all need different things. My focus as Queer Officer will be targeted advice and mental health support that meets students where they are.

1. Community-specific support spaces

I will set up regular peer support groups for communities that often fall through the cracks, including:

rainbow international students
Asian and Pasifika rainbow students
trans and non-binary students
postgraduate rainbow students

These will be small, confidential and student-led, with trained facilitators. They'll give people a safe place to talk about the things they can't always bring up at home or in mainstream services.

2. Better access to rainbow-competent counselling

I will work with University Health and Counselling Services to push for more counsellors with rainbow-specific training, shorter wait times, and clear information on which practitioners are rainbow-affirming. I'll also advocate for culturally and linguistically diverse counselling options, so students can get support in a language and context that feels comfortable.

3. A practical advice hub

Many students don't know where to go for help with things like:

changing their name and pronouns in university systems
accessing gender-affirming healthcare in Aotearoa
finding rainbow-friendly flatting and accommodation
dealing with discrimination or harassment on campus
understanding visa and legal concerns as international students

I will create a clear, up-to-date online and printed guide covering these topics. I'll also hold regular drop-in advice sessions with AUSA Student Advocacy and community organisations such as RainbowYOUTH and InsideOUT.

7. Accountability

I will be approachable and transparent. I'll post regular updates on what I've achieved, hold open feedback sessions each semester, and make sure students can easily reach me with concerns.

Why me?

I bring lived experience, a data-driven mindset and a real commitment to making our campus safer and kinder. Every rainbow student deserves to feel supported, not just tolerated. Vote Xiangrong for Queer Officer! 🏳️‍🌈

Candidate · Queer Rights Officer

Phi Zhang

I'm Phi, a Statistics student starting postgrad. I've been around for a few years - I was a founding executive member (and am still the Secretary) for Rainbow Science, and I've represented us on the Queer Student Council since 2024.

We've actually achieved a lot! We grew from a few faculty clubs to a vibrant community. But most of you aren't aware of the work making it possible. And the work is becoming harder.

Did you know the Queer Student Council only really represents the Rainbow club exec teams? We never hear from those of you who are more isolated, or struggling. But we have real things to offer. We have people to advocate for you, and the budget to support you.

We really need your new perspectives, too. Our leadership is stretched super thin. Without more people and ideas, everything is one step away from imploding.

So, I want to bridge the gap between us. See my list of initiatives for how!

And I believe I can do it. From my first campaign, I found out my experience is more valuable than I thought. I've been a class representative, teaching assistant, early-career researcher, and student. I've worked with academic staff, professional staff, clubs, and AUSA. The connections I've made throughout - the people who've supported me and taught me to do better - mean I won't be working alone.

I won't ask for your faith in me as an individual. But please trust everyone I've learned from; everyone who trusted me.

Phi’s initiatives

The first time I ran for QRO, I had exactly one policy. I thought it was all I could realistically promise. But after talking to some of you, I've come to better understand the issues I see, and what I can do about them.

1. Increasing our reach.

More "mainstream" messaging. We usually only advertise through channels you need to actively look for first. But there are some things the general student body should know. I want to make better use of faculty mailing lists, and posters in busy places on campus.
General members on the QSC. I'm sure plenty of you have good ideas and interesting perspectives. It'll be easy to invite you, especially once we can reach you!
An anonymous contact form. I want a low-commitment way to let us know of anything big or small, queer or not. Is your lecturer misgendering a classmate? Do you have an idea for a book club? We'll try to help you out.

I've been noticing more often that our Rainbow community is only an incomplete subset of queer people at UoA. And I'm concerned about the issues we don't see. I'm sure plenty of you are already thriving and fit in well, or maybe some of you have never been able to come out. But I want to get this across: if you ever need to, you can reach out. Whether or not you're one of us, we have the resources and willingness to stand with you.

2. Strengthening our admin systems.

Better documentation. You might remember this as my one policy from last time! I want to keep track of the people who help us, procedures to organise social events and activism, and the details of our long-term projects.
Centralised planning. It's always a struggle to find new club execs and get admin work done. We have shared resources, but none of us use them... Hopefully we can start, if I host some collective planning sessions.
Maintaining our relationships. I want to have a chat with people in more permanent roles, like university staff and external organisations, and figure out how they can help with the continuity issues we face as students.

Behind our advocacy and big exciting events, a lot of effort goes into planning and communication. And things so often fall apart when people leave. I want you all to experience the same amazing community as me, and for our advocacy to continue past graduations and staff turnover. For that, we need a solid organisational structure.

3. Continuing our current work.

Helping Queerspace move. I'm already among those overseeing our transition to Kate Edgar. My priority is seeing all of your art transferred safely. The facilities will be much nicer, and we can redo the decorations and furnishing. I want more whiteboards for drawing!
Keeping up advocacy work. We're still trying to get University Health and Counselling Services to initiate hormone therapy, and to get the university to start a gender-affirming care fund. And I'll respond to your issues as they come.
Overseeing our usual program of events. As always, we'll have Rainbow Orientation, a Big Gay Out stall, and a Pride Week programme. We're also hoping to make Gayming Night a regular thing, and we have ideas for a Student Drag Show!

Change happens, but it's slow. The QRO still has basic responsibilities, which I've seen plenty of from the QSC. There's no point creating foundations if I can't keep up with present work. It's definitely possible, through smart planning and collaboration. I'll make use of all I've learned from my predecessors to see it through.

Vote at ausa.nz/vote

Play fair

Election Rules

Every candidate is bound by the AUSA Queer Rights Officer By-Election Rules and Procedures 2026, reproduced in full below.

The eligibility requirements for this role are set out in the AUSA Constitution.

Download the Rules (PDF)

Read the full rules on this page

AUSA Queer Rights Officer By-Election Rules and Procedures 2026

The Rules which govern this election are in Part V of the AUSA Constitution – Rules 26 to 33. Please read those rules and abide by them. In addition the Executive has adopted some relevant Policies, which are included here.
This by-election is to fill the position of Queer Rights Officer on the AUSA Executive for the remainder of the term from 1 December 2026 to 29 November 2027, following the 2026 AUSA Executive Elections, in which No Confidence prevailed for this position. The available position is:
- Queer Rights Officer (who must be a self-identifying Queer Person)
Position Descriptions are here.
To be eligible for nomination, candidates must meet the following conditions.
- Be a member of AUSA
- Be a currently enrolled students at the Auckland University and must not be disqualified under the Incorporated Societies Act s47 (3) or the Charities Act s36B (2)
- Attend one of the mandatory ‘AUSA Introduction to Executive’ session. These sessions provide an overview of Executive roles, allow potential candidates to engage with the Student Voice Manager or current executive members, and offer an opportunity to ask questions and discuss their candidacy.
- Submit their own nomination via the official nomination form, available from 9:00 am on Monday 28 September until 5:00 pm on Friday 9 October. A provisional list of candidates will be published shortly after the nomination period ends.
A nominee may withdraw their nomination any time up to 5.00 pm on Friday, 9 October, by written or email notice to the Returning Officer.

As this by-election is for a single position, nominees may stand only for Queer Rights Officer.
All candidates must attend one of the 'AUSA Introduction the executive’ sessions; times for these sessions will be communicated with all nominees. The Returning Officer, and/or Student Voice Manager will run over the rules and answer any questions about the election and AUSA in general.
All candidates have the opportunity to provide a headshot photograph, and a short statement on their candidacy (250 words max) will be placed on the AUSA voting platform. This statement and the accompanying photograph must be submitted within AUSA’s website by 5 pm Friday 9 October.
AUSA will provide opportunities for Queer Rights Officer candidates to engage with students and answer questions, which may include a candidates’ Q&A or forum. Details will be communicated during the by-election process.
Please abide by the relevant university requirements if you use physical campaign materials such as posters, leaflets, etc. You must remove and dispose of these as soon as the election is over. Please don’t fix posters in a way which will mark or damage the surface, don’t chalk in areas where it won’t be washed away by rain, and if you distribute leaflets in lecture theatres, make every effort to remove all remaining ones by 7 pm the same day.
Candidates are permitted to spend up to $250 of their own money on campaign activities. This amount must be self-funded—AUSA will not reimburse or contribute to these expenses. For the purposes of these regulations, "personal resources" and "campaign materials" refer to any financial contributions or items of value supplied by the candidate or their supporters, with the intent of promoting or opposing a candidate, or influencing voters on campaign-related issues. Candidates are required to maintain a comprehensive record of all campaign expenditures. This includes documenting the fair market value of any goods or services that are donated or provided at a discount.
A candidate may be requested to submit an activity report detailing the candidate’s expenditure related to the campaign. This must be completed truthfully and as accurately as possible and must be in the form shown in Schedule One to these Rules. The deadline for this submission will be set up by the Returning Officer.
Candidates must not pressure, coerce, or threaten students in any way to secure votes, nor may they vote on another student’s behalf. Voting must be conducted individually and voluntarily, reflecting the voter's own presence and choice, except where third-party assistance is needed to support a voter with a disability, which must not be a candidate.
The focus of the election should be on the candidates' merits for the positions, considering their policies, experience, philosophies, charisma, and overall suitability. You are strongly advised to conduct an honest campaign based on your achievements, vision, aspirations, and qualifications for the role. Campaigns in support of “No Confidence” are permitted but should not become abusive. Additionally, candidates are prohibited from providing gifts, money, or other incentives in exchange for votes.
No candidate may use AUSA resources—including social media accounts, mailing lists, or other official platforms—to support their campaign unless those resources are made equally accessible to all candidates. AUSA Executive members are strictly prohibited from using their official AUSA email addresses, mailing lists, social media accounts, or any communication platforms associated with their Executive roles for election-related purposes. This restriction applies equally to Executive members running for office and those supporting another candidate.
Candidates who are current members of the AUSA Executive must not exercise any authority, benefit, or influence stemming from their Executive role in a way that provides them with an unfair advantage in the election. Executive members are not permitted to wear AUSA-branded clothing or any attire that identifies them as part of the AUSA Executive when endorsing or opposing any candidate or campaign. However, they may express support for specific candidates (or for a "No Confidence" option) in the same capacity as any other AUSA member.

Candidates are permitted to record campaign videos in public AUSA spaces if needed or desired. However, the use of private offices or any AUSA-exclusive resources that are not publicly available remains strictly prohibited. Specifically, promotional videos may not be recorded inside the AUSA offices (Including Craccum).
All current students of the University of Auckland are eligible to vote, regardless of whether they are members of AUSA. Voting for this by-election will be conducted online via the voting platform (Qualtrics), using the same process as the 2026 AUSA Executive Elections. Students will vote using their University of Auckland Single Sign-On (SSO), which allows each student to vote only once. Life Members who are not current students may also vote by reporting to the AUSA office at 4 Alfred Street or sending an email to elections@ausa.org.nz before 5:00 pm on Friday, 23 October.
Votes will be counted and the winner announced on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.
The Returning Officer for this election is Blake Monk, who holds overall responsibility for overseeing the election process. Mauricio Lozano, AUSA Student Voice & Communities Manager, will manage the administrative aspects of the election. Nick Withers will serve as the Assistant Returning Officer.
For any correspondence related to the election, please email elections@ausa.org.nz and clearly indicate in your message which member of the elections team your enquiry is directed to.
If you have any questions or want to raise any administrative issues (e.g., members having difficulty voting electronically), please raise them with Mauricio in the first instance. Email as above or go to AUSA Reception.
Formal complaints regarding any aspect of the elections process—including, but not limited to, the conduct of candidates—must be submitted in writing to the Returning Officer via elections@ausa.org.nz. Complaints must clearly state that they are a formal complaint, must not be anonymous, and must include:
- A description of the alleged incident,
- Reference to the specific rule or constitutional provision believed to have been breached, and
- Supporting evidence and/or the names of any witnesses.
- The expected outcome from the complaint.

All complaints relating to the conduct of candidates and alleged breaches of these election rules must be submitted following the instructions above, to the Returning Officer, and must be received no later than 4:59 pm on Friday 23 October (prior to the closing of the voting period). Any complaints about the conduct of candidates and/or breaches of these rules, received after this deadline, cannot be considered. For the avoidance of doubt, this does not apply to complaints made under rule 30 of the AUSA Constitution.

All complaints will be considered in accordance with the principles of natural justice. The formal dispute resolution process is outlined in Rule 30 of the AUSA Constitution. Please note that elections@ausa.org.nz also serves as a general enquiries inbox; therefore, clarity in the subject line and content of the complaint is essential to ensure it is processed appropriately. All complaints must have the words AUSA Queer Rights Officer By-Election 2026 Complaint in the subject.

Candidates are expected to adhere to AUSA election rules and procedures to prevent misunderstandings and facilitate an orderly process. AUSA reserves the right to disqualify candidates from roles where they egregiously breach these rules wilfully, or through failure to take reasonable care.

Queer Rights Officer By-Election 2026

Your Voice. Your Call.
Your Community.

AUSA’s mission 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. We also deliver a range of events on and off-campus and provide a range of crucial support services for students.

Why a by-election?

In the 2026 AUSA Executive Elections, No Confidence prevailed for the Queer Rights Officer position, so the role is being re-opened. The successful candidate will serve on the Student Executive from 1 December 2026 to 29 November 2027.

The Queer Rights Officer represents and advocates for LGBTQIA+ students at the University of Auckland, chairs the Queer Student Council Subcommittee, and looks after Queerspace. Executive roles are provided financial compensation for their work with the student association.

Two candidates are standing. Read their statements and initiatives in Meet the candidates, then have your say at ausa.nz/vote.

What you need to know

Vote online at ausa.nz/vote, 9:00 am Mon 12 – 5:00 pm Fri 23 October 2026
All current University of Auckland students can vote, AUSA member or not
Sign in with your UoA Single Sign-On. Each student can vote once
Two candidates are standing: Xiangrong Jiang and Phi Zhang
Votes counted and the winner announced Tuesday 27 October

Nominations

Ran 28 September to 9 October.
Two candidates nominated.

Candidate briefing

Candidates attended an “AUSA Introduction to Executive” session and were briefed on the rules.

Voting

Online at ausa.nz/vote, 9:00 am Monday 12 – 5:00 pm Friday 23 October 2026. Sign in with your UoA Single Sign-On.

Results

Votes counted and the winner announced Tuesday 27 October 2026.

What’s up for grabs

The Position

One role is being elected in this by-election. The Queer Rights Officer sits on the AUSA Executive and represents queer students to the University.

Portfolio Officer

Must be a self-identifying Queer person

Queer Rights Officer

The Queer Rights Officer (QRO) represents and advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community at the University of Auckland. This role is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where queer students feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

The QRO chairs the Queer Student Council Subcommittee, represents queer students in University equity-related committees, and works with AUSA staff to deliver events and initiatives. They also develop and maintain Queerspace, AUSA’s community space for queer students, ensuring it is a safe and welcoming hub on campus.

Collaboration is a key part of the role, from contributing to AUSA-wide campaigns to engaging directly with queer-identifying students through events and office hours. The QRO ensures that the voices of queer students are at the centre of AUSA’s advocacy and equity work.

Have your say

How to Vote

All current University of Auckland students are eligible to vote, whether or not you’re an AUSA member. Voting for this by-election is online, from 9:00 am Monday 12 October to 5:00 pm Friday 23 October 2026, using the same process as the 2026 AUSA Executive Elections.

Where

Online at ausa.nz/vote, AUSA’s voting platform (Qualtrics). Vote from your phone, laptop, or any campus computer.

The link goes live at 9:00 am Monday 12 October and closes at 5:00 pm Friday 23 October.

Sign in

Log in with your University of Auckland Single Sign-On (SSO) (your usual UoA username and password). Each student can vote only once.

Life Members

Life Members who are not current students can vote by reporting to the AUSA office, 4 Alfred Street, or by emailing elections@ausa.org.nz, before 5:00 pm Friday 23 October.