Student Support and Engagement Team

Our faculty has a variety of high-quality support services, networks and dedicated staff to provide you with access to a range of clubs and opportunities to make friends, network and grow your profession.

No matter who you are or your background, there is a place for you in our whānau.

Our FMHS Student Support Team are available to speak with you about any kind of support you feel you need during your time at university; this can range from advice on how you manage your workload or financial hardship to what to do when experiencing anxiety or depression. We can guide you through processes and refer you to other support services at the University. We are a good first point of call if you need information on how you can be supported and what support services are available. We work through issues with all students in a confidential and judgement-free space and advise you on how best to navigate your challenges.

Andrew Williams
Student Support and Engagement Manager

Kia ora, my name is Andrew Williams and I have the pleasure of working with this wonderfully talented and passionate team who work closely to take care of all of your pastoral and well-being needs and plan exciting activities to break up your study. We really want to see you achieve your potential as you work hard towards your dream future, but we also want you to thrive in every area of university life.

Check out the free breakfast on Thursdays, or the many events run across lunchtimes in the common spaces in 505 and 507 – it’s great to see you engaging! Get involved in clubs and committees, expand your horizons, meet new people - challenge yourself and make the most of your time with FMHS! My team and I are here for you every step of the way so please get in touch if you have challenges or just want to chat something through.

Alina Meador
Student Support Adviser – Postgraduate

Kia ora / Hola / Halo olgeta / Hi there! My name is Alina Meador, and I’m one of the Student Support Advisers here in FMHS. I am passionate about making sure the university space is welcoming, accessible, safe, supportive, and enjoyable for us all – regardless of who we are or what we may need to succeed. I’m always here for a chat, and I am enthusiastic about helping students achieve their goals – so feel free to share your good news with me as well and we can celebrate together!

I know how difficult it is to manage coursework on top of everything else that life throws at us. I came to the University as an international student to complete my Master of Public Health. Settling in to Aotearoa while studying – combined with managing my chronic illness – was tough. Luckily, I leaned on our incredible Student Support Advisers and was able to make my way through! I’m excited to be in this role now and be able to give back. I’m happy to work with you through whatever may be going on; I can help you stay on track in your courses, reach out to your lecturers to request extra support, and access additional support services, among many other things. Come have a chat to let me know how I can support you!

Alistair Stafford
Student Support Adviser – Undergraduate and Auckland based MBChB 

Kia ora koutou, my name is Alistair Stafford, and I am the Student Support Adviser for undergraduate students across all programmes at FMHS. I also support Auckland-based Clinical students in the MBChB Programme. I am available to help in a variety of ways be that a casual chat, discussion on university processes, study skills and even just a vent about trying to fit everything into a 24-hour day. I believe that everyone should have access to a support network to help them achieve their goals during their time at university.

My degree is in Biological Sciences, and Psychology from the University of Auckland. My working life has been mostly involved with international student support across Auckland with a brief pause during the covid years to be a Pixie Psychologist and a Wizard (ask me later) so I have a wide range of life experience to hopefully assist you in navigating your university life.

I look forward to meeting you at the Faculty of Medicine & Health Science and aiding you on your pathway in healthcare.

Mike Richardson
Student Support Adviser – Rural & Postgraduate Taught

Kia ora tatou,

I’m Mike Richardson and I adore my role at the University of Auckland as an FHMS Student Support Adviser. I primarily support our rural medical students and postgraduate taught students.

My background is in student wellbeing, welfare, and support across higher education, where I’ve worked closely with students navigating a range of academic, personal, and practical challenges. I’m passionate about creating a safe, approachable space where students feel heard and taken seriously, no matter where they’re based or how big or small their concerns might seem.

My work spans supporting students in rural placements as well as postgraduate taught programmes, and I’m keen to work alongside you through the different experiences, pressures, and priorities across both. For rural students, I recognise that being away from main campus can bring both opportunities and challenges; whether that’s staying connected, accessing support, or managing placement life. For postgraduates, I’m mindful of the unique demands of advanced study and balancing commitments.

Please feel free to reach out for a chat whenever you need, it’s okay not to be okay, and I’m here to help.

Phoebe Lederman
Student Support Adviser – Undergraduate and Auckland-based MBChB

Kia ora, ko Phoebe tōku ingoa!

I’m one of the Student Support Advisers for undergraduate students at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. I’m excited to help make the University a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, supporting you on your academic journey from orientation through to graduation!

Having studied at the University of Auckland myself, I know firsthand how fun and rewarding student life can be, but also how stressful it can feel at times. I also studied abroad in Japan, so I understand that as an international student, settling into a new environment and meeting new friends while managing course work can make university very overwhelming! I’m here to support you through challenging times and help you celebrate your achievements along the way.

I’m looking forward to being part of the Student Support Team at FMHS and helping foster a positive and inclusive student community. Whether you’re looking for advice, support, or just someone to chat with, I’m here to listen!

Nico Hendrikse
Student Experience Adviser

I’m Nico Hendrikse, an FMHS Student Experience Adviser. Working in universities around New Zealand has been very rewarding. Being able to see students develop, grow, and succeed is always awesome.

I studied for a Bachelor of Sport Development and Management at Otago University where I was lucky to be a Residential Adviser. I also previously spent a bit of time at the University of Auckland and the Auckland University of Technology. This has helped me understand a variety of backgrounds and provide my best to all students.

While you’re here studying, I want to provide you with support and help by pointing you in the right direction, I understand how difficult and confusing university life can be sometimes. University shouldn’t be somewhere you don’t want to be and I want to help make it enjoyable and memorable.

We’ll be running events throughout the year, and I am always open to suggestions. Feel free to come talk to me around campus or at events and we can have a yarn about your university experiences!

Naketa Phillips
Student Experience Adviser

Kia ora, Ko Rongowhakaata me Whakatōhea aku iwi, i tepu ake ahau, i Whakatāne, engari, e noho ana, ahau, i Tāmaki Makaurau. Ko turi ahau. Ko Naketa Phillips toku ingona.

I’m super grateful to be in the Student Experience Adviser role alongside Nico. During my Bachelor of Science, majoring in Psychology, the sense of community I found made a huge difference and really helped me get through some challenging times. Because of that, I hope to help create the same supportive, welcoming environment for other students and make University feel like a place where everyone belongs through our core values of Manaakitanga and Whakawhanaungatanga.

You will see me at 503 for the Tuesday Study Breaks and Thursdays at 507 for the free breakfasts. Haere mai, come through and take a break from studies and have some fun.