Equity at the University
Waipapa Taumata Rau is committed to providing a welcoming, safe and respectful environment to study and work.
Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland is a place of many cultures, identities, ethnicities, and values. We recognise that people start from different places and may need different kinds of support to achieve their potential.
Equity is fair and just access, participation, experiences and success. It involves considering a wide range of relevant, and sometimes competing, factors and perspectives.
A safe, inclusive, and equitable University is one where:
- We value all our students and staff.
- We respect difference.
- We celebrate diverse communities.
- It is safe to disclose issues that may affect study or work and those concerns are taken seriously.
- It is okay to ask for help and support.
We are committed to balancing the rights and responsibilities of free speech, academic freedom, human rights and health, safety and wellbeing.
Te Ara Tautika, Equity Policy sets out overarching responsibilities on the University and its members.
Achieving equity is everyone's right and responsibility. Read the Equity Statement to see how we do this.
Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Equity
The Office of Pro Vice-Chancellor Equity (OPVCE) provides strategic equity leadership and governance across the University and advises the Vice-Chancellor and Council on fulfilling the University’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in employment and education.
Guided by the principles of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and kaitiakitanga, OPVCE drives the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy and Plan 2025-2028, partnering across portfolios to embed diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in every aspect of university life.
OPVCE champions initiatives that celebrate diversity, build DEI capability, transform policy, and practice, and transparently report progress. We ensure that equity is expected, visible, and valuable throughout the University community.
The Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Equity works in collaboration with the offices of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori and Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Equity Professor Cathy Stinear
Email c.stinear@auckland.ac.nz
Read more about Cathy and her research on her University profile page
Staff Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Established in 2022, Staff Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (Staff DEI) operates as an integral function of Human Resources, dedicated to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion into every part of the University's staff experience.
In the spirit of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we work to create an environment where people find a sense of belonging. Our goal is to:
- Foster a culture of acceptance and understanding
- Empower each individual to contribute their unique perspectives and talents
- Enrich our collective efforts to achieve excellence
The Staff DEI team has three distinct workstreams to achieve these goals, informed by Taumata Teitei. These include developing our equity infrastructure, improving our DEI capability and rethinking our HR systems.
Email the Staff DEI team on staffdei@auckland.ac.nz.
Student equity
The University is committed to offering a safe, inclusive and equitable environment that promotes zero tolerance for bullying, harassment and discrimination.
Our University is here to enable you to develop the skills, values and attributes to be active contributors and leaders in our diverse society; to understand and respect the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi; and to engage with opportunities to enrich yourself and others.
