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 President, Education Vice-President, Engagement Vice-President, and Welfare Vice-President.

For the positions of Treasurer/Secretary, International Students' Officer, Postgraduate Students' Officer, Queer Rights Officer and Women's Rights Officer see here.

President

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.

Alan Shaker

Nominator: Sarah White
Seconder: Varsha Ravi

Kia ora whānau,

My name is Alan Shaker, I have had the pleasure of being your AUSA President in 2023 and am excited to be seeking re-election for 2024.

Over the last four years, I am proud to have been part of the AUSA team that has advocated for grade bumps, PG thesis extensions, and scrapping compassionate consideration fees. I have seen the organisation go through a period of dramatic growth, but I also recognise areas in which we can still do better.

If I am fortunate enough to be re-elected as YOUR President, we will continue this journey of growth. My second term as President will see me: review AUSA’s constitution to ensure our Executive structure represents the diversity and equity of the student body, build stronger relationships with PGSA, strengthen AUSA’s commitment to Te Tiriti, secure a new and improved funding arrangement for AUSA, and enhance AUSA’s engagement, events and relevance for important student issues (such as climate change) on a local and national stage. Under my leadership, AUSA will continue to have your back!

A vote for Alan is a vote for YOU; it’s a vote for growth, passion, progress and experience! #VoteShaker

https://www.facebook.com/VoteShaker4AUSAPrez/

Education Vice-President

The Education Vice-President (EVP) is AUSA’s 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. The Education Vice-President works closely with the AUSA Student Council, regularly engaging with our Faculty and School Associations

Makai Ingalls (2)

Nominator: Emma Alice Sullivan-Johnson
Seconder: Ini Obasuyi

No statement received for EVP position

Theo van de Klundert

Nominator: Varsha Ravi
Seconder: Folau Tu’inukuafe

I am Theo van de Klundert (they/them). I am AUSA’s twice elected Queer Rights Officer, now standing for election as 2024 Education Vice President. I am a fourth year LLB/ BA student majoring in Politics and Religious Studies. 

Across my two years on the AUSA Executive, I have led the rejuvenation of queer equity and university rainbow infrastructure by focusing on strengthening student voice and student support foundations. I designed the Queer Student Council and Caucus framework, which is an exemplar for AUSA equity consultation. The subcommittee has become a strategic interface for rainbow clubs acting as a platform where AUSA can use its resources to better support rainbow students. Under my leadership, we have positively changed the complexion and influence of queer equity resulting in a strengthened negotiation position with the university. 

What we have achieved in queer equity is what the AUSA Executive seeks to achieve in 2024 as it renegotiates its deed of agreement with the university. A vote for Theo for EVP2024 is a vote for experienced leadership with passion, drive, verve, and bite, that will guarantee that all student communities can experience the positive change and support we have built in queer equity. Vote Theo!

Alex Yang (1)

Nominator: Grace Chen
Seconder: Layba Zubair

Kia ora!

I’m Alex Yang, a second-year law and marine science student. Throughout my time here, 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.

These experiences made me realise one thing: the university must listen to us much more seriously!

If I become Education VP, I will:

  • Mandate public consultation with students on all academic policy developments.

  • Ensure timely and high-quality learning support by reinstating faculty student centres or expanding the student hub with more specialised advisors.

  • Recruit more, competent tutors and provide them with structured training and more consistent marking guidelines.

  • Make feedback from E Voice Diaries a required consideration in teaching staff promotions and appointments as Student-Staff Consultative Committee chairs.

So, if you want a stronger say on YOUR education, stronger accountability of staff, and better learning quality, vote ALEX YANG to be your next Education VP!

Layba Zubair (1)

Nominator: Alan Shaker
Seconder: Rishi Shukla

Kia Ora, my name is Layba Zubair and I am thrilled to be running for your Education Vice-President. I’m a part 2 law student and also the current Women's Rights Officer.

I aim to:

  • Work to make the Student Council the primary consultative group at the University of Auckland. By involving the Student Council in decision-making, we can ensure that the diverse perspectives and needs of students are considered, resulting in policies that better address your concerns.

  • Be a strong advocate for reinstating the AUSA President as a student representative on the University Council. This representation will provide a direct channel for students to advocate for their interests, ensuring that your perspectives are front and centre in university decisions. Additionally, I will ensure that AUSA maintains an active and leading role to safeguard student support services, resources, and opportunities.

  • Establish feedback mechanisms to facilitate stronger connections between students and AUSA. By providing students with an accessible platform, we can improve our services and tailor initiatives to address your specific needs. Every student will be heard, valued, and engaged in shaping their education.

  • Continue to advocate for policy and structural reforms within university procedures regarding harmful sexual behaviours.

Engagement Vice-President

The Education Vice-President (EVP) is AUSA’s 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. The Education Vice-President works closely with the AUSA Student Council, regularly engaging with our Faculty and School Associations

Jade Butler (1)

Nominator: Blue
Seconder: Ulysses Solaris

Kia Ora! My name is Jade Butler and I’m running for Engagement Vice President. I’m in my second year studying a BCom/BA conjoint, majoring in Management & Communications.

Part of my job will to be to help facilitate the campaigns for change on issues that as students we believe are important, such as mental health, free public transport, climate change, and other issues we feel are important.

Additionally, having grown up with event planning and personally planning events in recent years for both student business ventures and other themed events I have a genuine enthusiasm to support and communicate the University student’s events that you want to make happen.

Finally, coming with experience from a small student run business as CEO and Head of Marketing, plus additional work experience as both a team member and leader, I believe I’m the right fit to help UoA students experience all the university has to offer.

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

Lewis Matheson Creed (1)

Nominator: Fania Kapao
Seconder: Avery O'Callahan

Are you tired of our boring campus culture? Isn't university supposed to be full of life, energy and students stamping their mark on the campus? 

I intend to give all student clubs as much exposure as I can since you are the key to a thriving, vibrant campus! Collabs to the max! 

I believe students have it tough enough, I know what it's like to be maltreated by staff and lecturers, and I want to stand as your Engagement Vice-President to make some awesome events for y'all and stand up for your rights. I have a strong sense of justice, I will fight for you and will not back down when I feel something wrong has happened until it has been fixed.

I'm Lewis! I'm in my 4th year at uni doing a Science & Arts conjoint, and I've also organised over 75 events on campus over the last three years with my club (the UOA BYO Music Club). I've run concert ticket giveaways, posted vinyl records around campus and ordered a butt-tonne of pizzas! In my free time, I like to draw and try to contribute to CRACCUM when I can :)

Thanks for reading; your reward is hieroglyph breakdancing 𓀥𓀢𓀤𓀣𓀠𓀓𓀒𓀡 

Clover Huang (1)

Nominator: 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!

Makai Ingalls (1)

Nominator: Emma Alice Sullivan-Johnson
Seconder: Ini Obasuyi

 Vote Makai for EngVP - Your Voice, Our Impact! 

Hey, AUSA community! I'm Makai, a design student here at UoA, and I'm thrilled to run for the role of Engagement Vice-President. As EngVP, I'm committed to championing the causes that truly matter to YOU.

My focus is on building a strong connection with the community. I'll be in direct touch with the student body, organising engaging events to foster community involvement and encourage open discussions on the issues close to our hearts.

Diversity is our strength, and I promise to hear from all corners of our community so that every voice is valued and honoured.

Transparency and collaboration are my guiding principles. Throughout my term, I'll keep you informed about the progress of our campaigns and initiatives. Working together with fellow AUSA officers and students, we'll present a united front, fighting passionately for what YOU are passionate about.

Vote for me, Makai, as your Engagement Vice-President, and let's create positive change together! Your voice matters, and together, we'll make an impact on the issues that shape our university experience and beyond. Thank you for your support!

Sasha Rodenko (1)

Nominator: Adam El-Khatib
Seconder: Samuel Bain

Hi, I’m Sasha! I’m in my second year of a Bachelor of Optometry and I would like you to vote for me for the Engagement Vice-President position.

I’m really passionate about all things health, especially equitable healthcare for those in rural communities. When I not holed up in a dark room studying, I’m either playing dungeons and dragons with some of my mates, playing Elden Ring, or at the gym trying to get them gains.

I’ve been a residential advisor at Grafton Hall, and a member of the disability action plan reference group for just under a year now. During my time as a residential advisor, I’ve had the opportunity to organise and create what I like to think were some really fun events, such as a pot plant painting event.

If I’m voted in, I’m not going to be one of those people that you never knew existed. I want to get out and about and do some fun things with you all! Be it organising events, or even if its just chilling. I’d be happy to help! After all, I will be representing you and what you want to get out of your time at UoA.

Welfare Vice-President

The Welfare Vice-President (WVP) of AUSA is responsible for advocating for student interests on issues of equity and student support at the University and overseeing AUSA’s grant process. The Welfare Vice-President often coordinates various welfare initiatives alongside AUSA’s partners in the University (most often Campus Life and the Equity Office).

Fania Kapao (1)

Nominator: Lewis Matheson Creed
Seconder: Christopher Gerred

No statement received for WVP position

Luna Lyra le Fay (2)

Nominator: Ava Skye
Seconder: Theo van de Klundert

With my lived experience, I understand how accessing support is the most difficult part of welfare. When I came out as transgender, I was homeless and too young to access the benefit without a parent’s consent. I had to drop out of high school and it was a long time before I was able to get on my feet and go to university. I strongly believe that no one’s circumstances should deny them their education.

I have worked tirelessly in the pursuit of my values and have developed a wealth of experience in helping people from a broad range of roles. I’ve done volunteering at Rainbow Youth, counsellor training at Youthline, become a member of PATHA, been elected onto the Rainbow Youth executive board, served as secretary of Trans on Campus, and represented our caucus on the Queer Student Council.

The stability of our lives as students is essential to our education. My mission as Welfare Vice-President is to ensure that shame and lack of knowledge are not barriers for accessing the help that is available to students.

Brendan MacLeod (2)

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!

Zhuoyuan Pan (2)

Nominator: Melvin Ling
Seconder: Ray

No statement received for WVP position

Sasha Rodenko (2)

Nominator: Adam El-Khatib
Seconder: Samuel Bain

Hi, I’m Sasha! I’m in my second year of a Bachelor of Optometry and I would like you to vote for me for the Welfare Vice-President position.

I’m really passionate about all things health, especially equitable healthcare for those in rural communities. When I'm not holed up in a dark room studying, I’m either playing Dungeons and Dragons with some of my mates, playing Elden Ring, or at the gym trying to get them gains.

I’ve been a residential advisor at Grafton Hall, and a member of the disability action plan reference group for just under a year now. During my time as a residential advisor, I’ve had the opportunity to organise and create what I like to think were some really fun events, such as a pot plant painting event.

If I’m voted in, I’m not going to be one of those people that you never knew existed. I want to get out and about and do some fun things with you all! Be it organising events, or even if it's just chilling. I’d be happy to help! After all, I will be representing you and what you want to get out of your time at UoA.

Jennifer Setefano

Nominator: Uasi Auvele
Seconder: Folau Tu’inukuafe

Hello! Talofa lava!

My name is Fesolai Jennifer Setefano (you can call me Jen) I wanted to acknowledge my chief title to honour my home, my village and my people. I am of Samoan decent! I want to bring forth some Polynesian flavour to this role! Service is something I am well familiar with, and I want to be able to give students the chance to be heard, to be listened too and to also be understood. I’ve decided to take up the chance to try and be selected as the Welfare Executive President for 2024 and I come fourth with passion and determination! I’ve always been passionate about helping others! I want to better our response to pastoral care, improve our mental health services and to ensure that everyone is looked at as important. YOU are important.

Appreciate all the love and support so far and I’m ready for the challenge. #Vote4Jen

Thank you, Fa’afetai Lava!

Jennifer Setefano

Layba Zubair (2)

Nominator: Alan Shaker
Seconder: Rishi Shukla

Kia Ora, my name is Layba Zubair and I am thrilled to be running for your Welfare Vice President.

A bit about me; I’m a second year law student and also the current Women's Rights Officer at AUSA. I’ve been a part of various organisations such as HELP Auckland, Netsafe, and am also the founder of The Consent Law Reform campaign.

If elected as your WVP, I aim to do the following:

    • I will continue to sustain and expand the period poverty project, ensuring consistent funding and fostering long-term partnerships. I am committed to increasing the availability and accessibility of period products on-campus, advocating for their inclusion in key facilities to support all students and promote menstrual equity.

    • I am determined to collaborate with the university's existing policies and plans to address non-academic misconduct, with a specific focus on harmful sexual behaviors. By championing a culture of respect and accountability, I will be dedicated to creating a safer campus environment for all students.

    • I will work with the university to ensure that mental health resources are easily accessible to all students, including those from marginalized communities. This could involve expanding counseling services, providing multilingual support, and incorporating culturally sensitive approaches.