A representative from the student population is to be elected by students to the University of Auckland Council to bring a student voice to the University's decision-making.

The current student representative on Council is due to complete his term on 31 October 2025.  In accordance with the provisions of the University of Auckland Council Appointments Statute 2023, Council Appointments Procedures and Elections Procedures, there is a call for a new candidate to take office on 1 November 2025.

This election is for one student to be elected by the students of the University to serve on Council for a term of two years, starting on 1 November 2025 and ending on 31 October 2027 or until they cease to be a student of the University (whichever is earlier).

To be a candidate, you must submit a valid notice of candidacy and candidate statement via email per the instructions below. A notice of candidacy and candidate statement must be emailed by 12noon on Monday 22 September 2025.

• Notices of election have been emailed to all eligible students.
• Completed notices of candidacy (PDF below) together with a candidacy statement (maximum 500 words) in a Word document and photo must be emailed before 12noon on Monday 22 September 2025 to elections@auckland.ac.nz
• The candidate's statement submitted with the candidacy notice is to
  address how the candidate considers they meet the skills and experiences sought for this position on Council and must not exceed 500 words.
• Elections, should they be necessary, will take place by means of electronic voting via Qualtrics commencing at 12noon on Monday 6 October 2025 and closing at 12noon on Monday 13 October 2025.
• Details and voting instructions will be supplied to eligible voters by email to a username@aucklanduni.ac.nz address when voting opens.
• View the skills and experiences needed for this position.
  

The University recognises the need to hear student opinions at every level in its decision making. The student representative on the Council has a crucial role to play in ensuring the student voice is heard at the University’s highest level of governance. This role provides an opportunity to influence key University decisions and have real input in the University's direction and future.

The student representative is expected to attend all Council meetings (six per year) and will be invited to other University events, which they are encouraged to attend. They are expected to read all of the council papers sent to them, keep up to date with changes and developments within the sector, while also staying aware of current issues within the student body. The student representative will also be a member of the Finance Committee, Honours Committee and Student Appeals Committee.

The role of student representative on Council will provide the individual with an opportunity to develop a range of skills, including strategic thinking, decision making and risk governance. They will build networks both internal and external to the University and further their understanding of the University, its responsibilities and challenges.

Council is the highest governing body within the University, and is made up of a mix of current staff, students, alumni and external appointees. The Council is chaired by the Chancellor of the University. The Education and Training Act 2020 specifies the Council’s functions, duties and power, which include:

• Appointing a Chief Executive (Vice Chancellor)
• Ensure proper standards of integrity, conduct and concern for the public interest and the well-being of students
• Acknowledge the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi

For more information on Council, its functions and current members click here.