Care and support
If you feel like you need support or guidance with your studies, talk to one of our friendly advisers.
Science student support advisers
We’re here to listen, work with you to find solutions and offer support in a safe,
non-judgmental space. Plus, we can connect you with the right resources to help you through.
We can support you with:
- Facilitating a space to discuss your mental wellbeing.
- Provide guidance on processes such as late deletions or aegrotats.
- Offer support with academic standing (At Risk, Restriction, Termination).
- Discuss equity related concerns.
- Offer general academic advice in relation to your needs, such as reducing workload or taking a break from studies.
- Time management, semester scheduling and dealing with procrastination.
Make an appointment
Connect to the relevant student support adviser below to request an
appointment.
| Abi van Dyke |
Psychology, Maths, Statistics, Physics, students with a disability |
| Dyan Catral |
Computer Science, ITM and Data Science |
| Kaiwen Yang |
Marine Science and Transnational Education students |
| Polly George | Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacology |
| Steve Leilua |
Exercise Science, Physiology, High Performing Athletes, Postgraduate students |
| Holly Honeysett | Chemistry, Food Science, Environmental Science, Anthropological Science, students with refugee background |
| Malisa Harford | Māori and Pacific students |
About our Student Support Advisers
Kia ora koutou | Sàwàtdii kâ,
Ko Abi toku ingoa and I’m a Student Support Adviser for Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Psychology, Anthropology and Students with Disabilities.
I understand that there can be difficulties during studies and am here to help navigate them. I am passionate about empowering students’ well-being and supporting them in their university journey. I acknowledge and hold space for those with added challenges that can impact them, regardless of what these challenges may be.
I have completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology, as well as a Certificate in Fine Arts. My work and volunteer experience background is in a variety of support and youth work roles.
If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, I am keen to have a chat, listen and guide you through what you need support with!I look forward to connecting with you.
Contact Abi van Dyke
Student Support Adviser (Psychology, Maths, Statistics, Physics, students with a disability)
Kia ora! My name is Dyan and I am incredibly passionate about supporting students’ holistic wellbeing and academic journey. I value creating meaningful connections and I’m always keen for a chat! I am here to listen to your experiences, link you with a range of support, and empower you to reach your full potential.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, both from the University of Auckland. My career background is in student support in Aotearoa New Zealand schools.
I look forward to connecting and journeying with you throughout your studies at Waipapa Taumata Rau!
Dyan Catral
Student Support Adviser (Computer Science, ITM and Data Science)
Kia ora koutou - 你们好!
I am Kaiwen, a Student Support Adviser for international students from articulation programmes in the Faculty of Science. Through my experience of working as an international student Support Adviser and being an international student myself, I fully understand that studying abroad can be very challenging for many international students.
It is my passion to help you navigate through these challenges when you
face various social-cultural and academic adjustments to a new environment,
helping you regain your confidence and work-life balance, and seeing you thrive on your study journey at the University of Auckland.
I have a Master Degree in Marine Science and my career background is in
transnational education. Please feel free to send me an email and book a Zoom
or face-to-face appointment. I am happy to help.
Kaiwen Yang
International Student Support Adviser (Marine Science and TNE students)
Kia ora koutou katoa,
Ko Polly tōku ingoa, I’m one of the Student Support Advisers for Biological Sciences, Rainbow Students and Tertiary Foundation Certificate alumni.
I am currently studying a Postgraduate Graduate Diploma in Counselling Theory at Waipapa Taumata Rau, and volunteer for a crisis support service.
I understand how challenging it can be to juggle your studies, academic and personal life all at once and I am here to navigate this with you.
Whether you’re seeking a one-off conversation or ongoing support, feel free to drop me an email – I am happy to offer a Zoom or face-to-face catch up!
Polly George
Student Support Adviser (Biological Sciences, Rainbow students)
Kia Ora Koutou,
My name is Steve and as someone who studied in the Faculty of Science myself, I understand that working toward your academic goals can come with its fair share of challenges, whether academic, personal or somewhere in between. I am here to support you through those ups and downs, and to help you make the most of the services and resources available to you.
There are times when it really helps to have someone who will listen, understand, and point you in the right direction. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you would like to have a chat.
I look forward to supporting you through your journey here at the University of Auckland.
Steve Leilua
Student Support Adviser (Exercise Sciences, Physiology, High Performing Athletes & Postgraduate Students)
Kia ora koutou | Talofa lava!
My name is Malisa and I am a Student Support Advisor for Māori and Pacific students across the faculty. I understand that there are both exciting and difficult times during your studies and I am here to support you in both.
As someone who finished studying a couple of years ago, I understand all the exciting and nerve-racking things that come with studying. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in History and Ancient History and I am currently studying towards a Masters in Pacific Studies.
Please feel free to reach out if you ever need some guidance, support or are looking to have a chat. I am keen and excited to meet with you all very soon!
Malisa Harford
Student Support Adviser (Māori and Pacific students)
Kia ora koutou,
Ko Holly toku ingoa, I am the Student Support Adviser for students of refugee background including students studying in the Schools of Environmental Science, Anthropological Sciences and Chemistry.
I have completed my Bachelor of Education in teaching here at Waipapa Taumata Rau and value the importance of looking at the whole picture when it comes to holistic wellbeing and student support.
If you need someone to chat about support you may need during your academic journey, please do not hesitate to book an appointment either online or face to face.
Holly Honeysett
Student Support Adviser (Chemistry, Food Science, Environmental Science, Anthropological Science, students with refugee background)