Candidate: Eirene Lee
Read why Eirene Lee would like to represent students on the University of Auckland Council.
Kia ora, my name is Eirene, and I’m a first-year Bachelor of Science student majoring in Biological Sciences. I am standing for Council because I believe the University should be a place where every student feels supported, included, and empowered to succeed, both academically and personally.
Excellence in education means more than grades; it is about ensuring that students have access to the resources, opportunities, and guidance needed to thrive. Through my tutoring and peer support work, I have seen firsthand how mentorship, clear pathways into research, and practical experiences transform students’ journeys. I am committed to advocating for academic support structures that uphold both student success and the principles of academic freedom and institutional autonomy, ensuring that innovative teaching and research can flourish.
University life is also about community. I value equity, well-being, and inclusion, and I am sensitive to the diverse challenges students face, particularly those from under-represented communities. Speaking four languages and working with people from a wide range of cultural, socioeconomic, and social backgrounds has taught me the importance of listening, connecting, and representing diverse perspectives. I am committed to ensuring that the University’s policies and decisions reflect the public interest, uphold equity, respect the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, and support the diversity of our student body, including gender balance, cultural, and socioeconomic representation.
I have developed leadership and management skills through coordinating teams, organising events, and running programmes. Additionally, I completed a data analysis internship in the non-profit sector, assisting with senior management placements and contributing to HR decision-making processes. This experience involved analysing organisational data to provide evidence-based recommendations on talent allocation, leadership appointments, and strategic planning. Through these experiences, I gained insight into responsible resource management, organisational strategy, and collaborative decision-making, skills I will bring to Council to assess institutional policies, provide informed feedback, and contribute to governance discussions. I understand that Council decisions impact the University’s academic direction, operations, and financial sustainability, and I am prepared to engage with these responsibilities thoughtfully and proactively.
If elected, I will act as a bridge between students and Council, ensuring that decisions shaping our University are informed by student voices. My goal is to promote fair policies, accessible opportunities, and a university culture where every student feels valued, represented, and empowered to succeed.
Vote for me, and let’s shape a University that works for all of us.
