Contact us

Emma Ko: Student Voice Team Leader 

Kia ora! Ko Emma tōku ingoa. I’m your Student Voice Team Leader. I help support and manage the engagement and operations of all student clubs, associations, and societies on campus. 

I’m originally from the Pacific Northwest but now call Aotearoa New Zealand home. I have a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with a focus of Education and Behavioral Science from Oregon State University. After graduating uni I moved to Seoul, South Korea as an English teacher, and then moved to Tāmaki Makaurau where I facilitated STEM workshops for kids, and co-ordinated programmes for adult contemporary learning and digital literacy.

At the Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, I have held a few engagement and experience roles, which naturally led me here to this amazing team. 

Outside of work, you'll find me outdoors climbing, indoors doing arts and crafts and learning the banjo in between.

If you have questions about anything from joining a club, to leadership and club management, don't hesitate to reach out, we're here to help! 

Paige Chong: Student Engagement Co-ordinator

Kia ora! Ko Paige tōku ingoa. I'm your Student Engagement Co-ordinator within the Student Groups team. In my role, I support the engagement and coordination of events, workshops and training opportunities for our Student Groups community.

I've previously worked in event and engagement roles across the University, so
I'm excited to be bringing those experiences together to support and connect
with our student community. 

I grew up in Christchurch and moved to Auckland to study at Waipapa Taumata
Rau. I'm still studying part-time, slowly working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Māori Studies and Employment Relations and Organisational Studies.

Having benefited from the connections, experiences and opportunities that
clubs provided during my own student journey, I'm passionate about supporting this space. 

Outside of mahi, you'll usually find me reading, out for a walk, travelling, or
practising my at-home barista skills. Please feel free to reach out if you
have any questions or need any support - I'm happy to help!

Kalani Hetti Arachchi: Student Groups Administrator

Kia ora! Ko Kalani tōku ingoa. I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Sri Lanka, I now proudly call Aotearoa New Zealand my second home. 

With a Diploma in Primary Education and a Bachelor of Business Administration, my journey began as a primary school teacher back in Sri Lanka a role that truly nurtured my love for working with students and helping them grow. Here at Waipapa Taumata Rau, I started my journey with the Staff Service Centre team before stepping into my current role as a Student Groups Administrator, where I have the privilege of supporting a wide variety of clubs and societies across the University. I genuinely enjoy working with students, helping them bring their ideas to life, and watching their communities thrive.

Outside of work, creativity keeps me inspired. I’m passionate about dancing, canvas painting, and experimenting with textured arts, a trend I’ve recently fallen in love with. I also enjoy exploring new recipes, which makes me a great cook.

If you ever have questions about club bookings, grants, registrations, or
training, please feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help and enjoy
engaging with our vibrant student community.

Ima Mazeli: Student Groups Administrator

Kia ora! Ko Ima tōku ingoa. I'm one of the Student Group Administrators who is here to help you with your booking and query needs.

I'm from a big city in Malaysia, and living and working in Auckland has been a
calming experience with a slower and more balanced work-life ratio.

I have a Diploma in TESL and a Bachelor's in English Linguistics, minoring in Hospitality & Recreation from Malaysia. Then, at the University of Auckland, I did my Master's in International Business.

I decided to work in this role as I like working in a university setting and being able to help students experience more than what their academic achievements can give them.

So, do not hesitate to ask me any questions regarding extracurricular
activities, or just to say "Hi!" if you see me around.

When I have free time, I enjoy reading horror and/or mystery novels and
manga/manhwa, and dabble in a little bit of art therapy using watercolours and
markers.

Brooke Merrick: Student Groups Administrator 

Kia ora! Ko Brooke tōku ingoa. I’m part of the Student Groups team here at Waipapa Taumata Rau, supporting clubs and associations with their bookings, events, and day-to-day queries.

I studied a conjoint Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Auckland, majoring in Economics, International Business, Politics & International Relations and German. Since then, I’ve worked across insights, research, and administration roles. I enjoy helping people make meaningful connections and build communities, and supporting students to explore and grow new hobbies and interests, which is what drew me to this role with student groups.

If you have questions about club bookings or events, I’m always happy to help. Alongside this role, I also work in innovation and insights, and outside of mahi I love being outdoors, travelling, and doing creative projects.