University Council student representative
The student representative ensures the student voice is heard at the University's highest level of governance.
Sunisha Dugar has been elected to be your Student Representative on University Council for a term ending on 31 October 2027. This result will go to Council at its next meeting in December for ratification.
Read Sunisha's candidate statement to learn more about them.
2025 election results
Nineteen students put themselves forward as candidates for this election. In total 1,598 votes were received. The table below shows number of votes received by each candidate.
We thank all candidates for putting themselves forward for election.
| Candidate | Total number of votes received |
|---|---|
| Sunisha Dugar | 264 |
| FaAfuhia Michael Fia | 238 |
| Samar Singh | 169 |
| Cho Mau Fung (Jackie) | 142 |
| Gevargis Thomas | 123 |
| Shae Hardy | 114 |
| Shakeel Shamaail | 87 |
| Xi (Angela) Fang | 69 |
| Liz Keneti | 62 |
| Dominic Begic | 52 |
| Xudong Shen | 51 |
| Shriya Keldermann | 49 |
| Steven Harrison | 48 |
| Aditya Narain Sharma | 37 |
| Matthew Prance | 29 |
| Adnan Shahab | 27 |
| Shama Monjur | 23 |
| Eirene lee | 8 |
| Juanma Poyatos | 6 |
University Council Student Representative
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.
University Council and its functions
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.