University team named finalist for Good Youth Employer Award

The University’s Schools and Community Engagement team has been named a finalist for the Good Youth Employer Award at the 2026 Diversity Awards, recognising its commitment to creating an inclusive and empowering workplace for young people through its Student Ambassador Programme.

Presented by Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion in partnership with Youth Employability Aotearoa, the award celebrates organisations that demonstrate leadership in youth employment and development.

Guided by a commitment to meaningful youth participation, the Student Ambassador Programme ensures young people play an active role in shaping how the University connects with schools and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Liletina Vaka, associate director of Schools and Community Engagement said the recognition reflects the University’s broader responsibility to support young people beyond the classroom.

“As a University, we have a responsibility to provide meaningful youth development opportunities. Not only as an education provider, but as a large complex organisation with a wide range of employment pathways,” she said.

“We place students at the heart of our work, to ensure they play an active role in shaping who we are as an organisation and how we engage with future learners and communities.”

Scholars Outreach and Engagement manager Isabella Mory, who leads the programme, said the nomination was especially meaningful because it came from a student ambassador.

“Knowing a student felt strongly enough about their experience to nominate us is very rewarding. It shows that what we are doing is resonating,” Isabella said.

Student Ambassador Marielle Angeles, who nominated the team, said she felt respected and empowered in her role.

“As a young employee, I have felt genuinely valued by the Schools and Community Engagement team,” Marielle said.

“The team actively listen to my ideas, my thoughts and ideas stand on equal ground, and they never forget to recognise that student ambassadors bring unique perspectives and experiences.”

Isabella said student ambassadors play a critical role in strengthening the University’s engagement with prospective students.

“Our ambassadors bring current, lived insight that helps us connect more authentically with schools, whānau and communities. They are proactive, high-achieving students who consistently offer fresh perspectives and challenge us to think differently and improve our approach.”

That approach is reflected in how the programme operates day to day, with students actively involved in planning and delivery.

“Before outreach events, we brief our ambassadors and actively seek their input on what will work in practice and how we could improve. It’s important they feel a real sense of ownership and trust,” Isabella said.

She added that the programme also aims to support students’ long-term development and career aspirations.

“Alongside paid work, we focus on helping students build confidence, leadership skills and professional capability, while also making them aware of potential career pathways at the University.”

Each year, the Student Ambassador Programme employs between 50–60 students in paid, casual roles, supporting school visits, campus tours, expos, and regional events across the country. The Schools and Community Engagement team also delivers learning support programmes, including student tutors, and contributes to Waipapa Raukura Rau, the University’s Māori Graduate Programme, demonstrating the breadth of youth employment and development opportunities across the institution.

The Good Youth Employer Award was presented at the Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion Diversity Awards held in Auckland on 5 May 2026.