Candidate: Liz Keneti

Kia ora

Students are often unaware of how their voices can support and influence university operations, policies and decision making. Our day-to-day experiences—academic, social, financial, and emotional—offer valuable insights that can help inform and achieve the strategic goals of the University. Being a champion for the Student Voice and advocating for the needs and aspirations of students is something I have always had a passion for.

My name is Liz Keneti, and I am studying towards a Master of Educational Leadership. I am of Samoan, Tongan, Tokelauan, German and Chinese descent. I have been a student advocate for several years, and actively engage in initiatives that promote academic excellence, inclusivity, leadership development, and student well-being. I bring a thoughtful values-based and solution-oriented approach to leadership, and I am passionate about not just bridging the gap between students and decision-makers but also building mutually beneficial partnerships through collaboration, meaningful connections and open dialogue.

I have several years of experience working in the tertiary sector so I am very familiar with the ways in which students can promote their perspectives and optimise their voices in order to contribute effectively to decision making opportunities. In the past two decades I have been involved in the establishment of campus services to address retention issues and barriers, developed mentoring programmes and pilot projects, trained student leaders, engaged with community agencies and stakeholders, developed and implemented strategies for equity and diversity, international and Pasifika learners, supported research projects to inform responsive teaching practices, participated in academic audit reviews, annual code of practice self-reviews, and designed automated solutions that significantly improved the processing of student concerns and complaints which saw a sharp reduction in complaints within the first year. Importantly, I ensured students were actively involved in these activities from conception to delivery. I learnt very early on in my career that partnering with students ensured positive outcomes and long-term success.

My skills and knowledge also include governance experience with community health trusts and community education advisory groups.

I believe student voices are essential for shaping policies and decisions that directly impact our academic and campus experiences. I value and promote collaboration, transparency and efficiency. My personal student journey and tertiary career experience give me the skills and insights required to confidently represent the voices of students and contribute effectively to governance conversations. It would be an honour to serve on the University Council as the Student Representative.

Nga mihi nui
Liz Keneti