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
Staff Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Staff DEI) helps people build belonging across the University. We work alongside staff, leaders and teams to make inclusion part of how we think, act and grow. Inclusion is not just a value we hold, but a practice we live.
Our focus is on creating systems, spaces and opportunities that enable people to thrive and feel connected across our diverse communities. This means shaping the structural, cultural and practical conditions that allow equity and inclusion to influence how we hire, develop and support our staff. We aim to turn good intention into lasting change, building a University where belonging is both experienced and designed into the way we work.
Our work focuses on:
- Operating our DEI infrastructure, including staff networks, reasonable accommodations, and support systems.
- Partnering with teams across the University to weave DEI into the way we work.
- Growing capability through training that deepens understanding and connection.
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.
