Candidate: Shriya Kelderman
Read why Shriya Kelderman would like to represent students on the University of Auckland Council.
Kia Ora! My name is Shriya Kelderman. I'm a fifth-year Laws and Health Science student running to be YOUR student representative on the University Council for 2025 to 2027. My primary motivation? Make sure every Council decision is considered and puts students first.
Every time a policy change, fees increase, programs get cut or proposed to be merged, or anything that affects your student experience, there's one student voice in the room where your opinion and needs matter, and that's the University Council. That voice should be strong, prepared, and genuinely connected to what students are experiencing. Someone ready to challenge decisions that don't serve students, but bring your real experiences to every strategic conversation. That someone is me.
As someone of Fijian, Indian, and Dutch heritage, I bring lived experience navigating multiple cultural identities and understanding barriers that aren't always visible in university governance. My multicultural background and extensive involvement across Woman in Law, Woman in Science, Health Network, Student Course Representative, and many other student organisations connect me to voices across various faculties and cultural communities.
My Laws and Health Science background means I can read between the lines of university policies and understand exactly how Council decisions will affect your daily student experience. My passion for advocacy was initially ignited through personal experience arguing and succeeding against unfair workplace practices within a multimillion-dollar company. This was only the start of my advocacy journey, and I can do so much more for us students.
My dual degree has also trained me to think critically and creatively from multiple angles. This combination also gave me a deep understanding of Tikanga, a commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and cultural competence within policies. This is all essential for representing our diverse student body.
Diversity isn't just about representation; it is about understanding that different students face different challenges and barriers. From international students navigating a new country and environment, to first-generation University students who need different types of support, and to students balancing cultural or workplace expectations with academic pressures.
Furthermore, I manage multiple teams in high-pressure hospitality environments and personalised retail, giving me real leadership experience and communicating with people from all backgrounds and ages. I have also been part of many charity and volunteering positions, including the Special Olympics, Diamonds in the Rough, and Scouting NZ. This shows that my commitment to serving others goes beyond words and into action.
You can expect many things from me because of my experience and how prepared I am to speak up for us as students. I am committed to transparency and accountability in all my actions. While we may not revolutionise everything overnight, I promise to be prepared, ask the hard questions, and ensure a student-centric University approach.
I promise to be the student representative that you, the students, truly deserve.
Vote Shriya Kelderman - Your voice where decisions are made.
