Student Support and Engagement
The Student Support and Engagement team are here to offer pastoral and personal support during your studies in Arts and Education.
We offer support for equity group students. We can also connect you with the right service at the University based on your needs.
Do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our Student Support Advisers:
Book an appointment by emailing one of our student support advisers at aedstudentsupport@auckland.ac.nz
You can visit us in Room 419, B201.
Student Support Adviser – Māori
Ko Raven Tawhara tōku ingoa. I am the Student Support Advisor for tauira Māori in the Faculty of Arts and Education.
My role is to support you throughout your studies, whether you need general advice, pastoral care, financial support or just someone to kōrero with. It is my mission to help you not only succeed but excel here at university. If you ever need support, have questions, or just want to pop in for a chat, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Looking forward to meeting and supporting you this year!
Contact Raven
Student Support Adviser – Pacific
Talofa lava, my name is Tuivalu Lauganiu, and I’m the Student Support Adviser – Pasifika in Te Pūtahi Mātauranga, Faculty of Arts and Education.
I’m from Tokelau (Fakaofo) and Tuvalu (Nukufetau), and I graduated from Waipapa Taumata Rau in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Sociology. My role is to support and empower you on your academic journey through pastoral care and by connecting you with resources like our Tuākana Teaching Assistants. If you have any questions or need support, feel free to email me – I’m here to help. Wishing you all the best, and I look forward to seeing you on campus.
Contact Tuivalu
Student Support Adviser – Undergraduate and Rainbow
Talofa lava! O lo’u igoa o Danielle Kionasina Dilys Thomson. I am a Samoan (Falealili, Falelatai)/Welsh queer wahine from West Aukilani, Aotearoa. My values within and beyond my mahi include alofa (love), creativity and relational models of care. In addition to my role as a student support adviser for rainbow tauira in the Faculty of Arts and Education, I am an author, artist, and business owner.
In 2022, I completed a Bachelor of Education (Pasifika Primary Teaching) at AUT, and I started working at Waipapa Taumata Rau as a Student Support and Experience adviser in the Faculty of Creative Arts and Industries in 2023. Since then, I have specialised in supporting international students, managing mentorship programmes, and increasing collaboration between diverse learning communities. This year, I am excited to provide tauira with awhi as they navigate their unique journeys at The University of Auckland
Contact Danielle
Student Support Adviser – Undergraduate and International
Kia ora! I’m Dina, and I’m here to support international students in the Faculty of Arts and Education as they navigate university life in Aotearoa New Zealand.
I understand firsthand the challenges of adjusting to a new country, culture, and especially, studying in a different language. My goal is to make sure you feel welcomed, supported, and confident as you settle into your academic journey.
Whether you’re looking for advice, resources, or just a friendly chat, I’m here to help.
I look forward to meeting you to provide support and help during your studies at the University of Auckland.
Contact Dina
Student Support Adviser – Undergraduate and Disabilities
Malo e lelei,
My name is David Lavulo, and I am one of the Student Support Advisers in the Faculty of Arts and Education.
I am proud to work closely with this amazing team and my colleagues at Student Disabilities Services, Inclusive Learning and Te Papa Manaaki | Campus Care, to give you quality service in your academic journey.
I am passionate about engaging and empowering students to succeed in their studies and vocational goals regardless of differing beliefs, cultures and NRL State of Origin team (Go NSW!!!).
Feel free to book an appointment with me if you wish to have a coffee or chat about your studies or other matters, I will be happy to support you. Cheering you on the finish line.
Malo aupito.
Contact David
Student Support Adviser – Postgraduate
Kia ora!
My name is Natalie and I'm one of the Student Support Advisors in Arts and Education. I have a PhD in Art History so I'm very familiar with the thesis-writing journey and can support postgrad students on their thesis/dissertation journeys. I have also taught a wide range of papers in Art History as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Professional Teaching Fellow. I'm always here for a chat - whether you want some help dealing with writer's block, finding answers to difficult questions or need a bit of extra support, please feel free to be in touch. I love seeing students succeed and look forward to meeting you on your postgrad journey.
Contact Natalie