Get involved

There are several ways you can help bring the Disability Action Plan (DAP) to life. In addition to the plan's reference group, there are two networks who inform the provision of services, and development of policies, practices and training.  

DAPRG membership has a diverse composition of academic and professional staff, undergraduate and postgraduate students across STEMM (science technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) and CABEL (creative arts, arts, business, economics, and law) with lived experience and/or expertise in this area. 

The DAPRG critiques progress and gaps throughout the life of the DAP, and provides the four workstream owners with feedback to inform the DAP review process.

Membership commitment

• Student members, one-year term to November 2026
• Staff members, two-year terms

Voting members student representatives

Ayolabi Martins
Danika Thompson
Jessica Ji
Jessica Yu
Lola Elvy
Maddy Smith
Maqymseahe Ninces
Rebekah Gray
Nicholas Ringwood
Sania Nourbakhsh
Sasha Rodenko
Scarlett Connolly
Sophie Roberts
Zainab Igbal

Voting members staff representatives

Dr Allan Fowler
Dr Alehandrea Manuel
Andy Fey
Angela Arnold-Saritepe
Bhavisha Solanki
Dr Elizabeth Holt
Karl Crosby
Dr Laura Wilkinson-Meyers
Dr Lucy Holloway
Mathew Nuttall, Co-chair
Patricia Austin
Dr Priyanka Agarwal, Co-chair
Shobha Herle
Wairemana Phillips

Non-voting members

Professor Cathy Stinear, Pro Vice-Chancellor Equity
Dr Bradley Patten

Call for Expressions of Interest: Postgraduate Students - Disability Action Plan Reference Group

The Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Equity invites expressions of interest from postgraduate students to join the Disability Action Plan Reference Group (DAPRG).

The group comprises professional and academic staff with relevant expertise and/or lived experience of a disability, as well as current students with lived experience of a disability. 

We currently have vacancies for postgraduate students only. All other positions are full and will be reviewed for vacancies in July 2027.

The DAPRG plays a vital role in supporting the implementation of the University’s Disability Action Plan by:

• Providing feedback on progress and identifying gaps.
• Advising workstream owners on inclusive practices.
• Ensuring the lived experiences of disabled staff and students
  are reflected in decision-making.
  

 Who can apply?

• Current postgraduate students with lived experience of disability or subject matter expertise. All student members are recompensed.

The term is for one year from November 2026 to November 2027. 

How to apply:

Please email us a brief expression of interest (max 300 words) outlining:

• Your interest in joining the DAPRG
• Relevant experience or perspectives you bring
• Any affiliations with disability-related networks or initiatives.

Deadline: 9am Monday 17 August 2026 via email to:  equity@auckland.ac.nz

Auckland University Disabled Students Association (AUDSA) is a student-led group established to amplify and advocate for disabled student voices and the inclusion of disabled students on campus. AUDSA aims for disabled students to have equal access to their education and all aspects of university life. It works to provide the space for all students with a disability to join their community and meet fellow students like them. Fill in the AUDSA sign-up form to join.

Should you require support, Ratonga Hauātanga Tauira, Student Disability Services  work towards creating a safe, inclusive and equitable educational environment for students with disabilities. Prospective and current students can make appointments through their online booking system.

The Disabled Staff Network provides a connection for disabled staff/staff with disabilities across Waipapa Taumata Rau. It functions to build community and connection, support, information-sharing, and advocacy.

The network is open to all disabled staff and staff who identify as having a disability. 

To join the network please email staffdiversityequityandinclusion@auckland.ac.nz

Staff members who are also studying with the University can choose to join both the staff and student networks.

If you have any queries relating to the information on this page, please email Vicki Watson, Manager – Equity.