Care and support

Our Student Support Advisers are here to provide care and support during your time studying in Science. You can speak through your pastoral care needs with one of our friendly Student Support Advisers in a safe and judgment-free space. This may include concerns about managing your workload, how your wellbeing is impacting your studies or any personal/emotional needs you wish to talk through.

Connect to the relevant student support adviser below to request an appointment.

• Merrion Baker: Psychology, Chemical Sciences and students with disabilities 
  
• Erica Farrelly: Biological Sciences, Environment, Exercise Sciences and students of refugee background
  
• Lizzie Tafili: Māori and Pacific students
  
• Dyan Catral: Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Maths and Physics; Postgraduate students and Rainbow students 
  

Merrion Baker

Kia ora! My name is Merrion and I am a Student Support Adviser for Domestic and Equity students. I have a huge passion to support, empower and encourage young people to strive towards their individual goals and work towards overcoming any obstacles. I am particularly passionate about working with and supporting those who have additional barriers that might prevent them from making the life choices that they want to.

My career background is working in the health and social care sector with vulnerable adults and young people, both in Vancouver and London.

I look forward to meeting you, listening to you and supporting you through your studies during your journey at the University of Auckland.

Merrion Baker
Student Support Adviser (Students from Psychology, Chemical Sciences and students with disabilities)
Email: Merrion Baker

Erica Farrelly

Kia ora koutou.

I’m Erica and I’m here to support you through your university journey and link you in with a range of services. I recognise these past years have been incredibly challenging and I am here to listen and talk to about this and any further barriers or challenges you may be experiencing.

A bit about me – I was on the pilot programme for the MATES Mentoring programme when I was in high-school. I am proud to have come from the South Auckland community and know how important it is to have a sense of community which I try to create on campus.

I have a Bachelor of Science majoring in Geography and Development Studies. I lived in Argentina for nine months where I taught English as a second language and I continue to volunteer in the English language space.

Please send an email - I am happy to offer a Zoom or face-to-face appointment.

Erica Farrelly
Student Support Adviser (Students from Biological Sciences, Environment, Exercise Sciences and students of refugee background)
Email: Erica Farrelly

Lizzie Tafili 

Kia ora koutou and Tālofa lava! Ko Lizzie toku ingoa and I am a Student Support Adviser for ākonga Māori and Pasifika. I am passionate about journeying alongside students, by encouraging and empowering them to find whanaungatanga at the university and navigate them towards academic success.

I hold qualifications in biomedical science and youth development. My career background is in academic tuition and youth and community work across a range of contexts.

I am always up for a kōrero, and look forward to supporting you throughout your time at Waipapa Taumata Rau.

Lizzie Tafili 
Student Support Adviser (Māori and Pacific students)
Email: Lizzie Tafili

Dyan Catral

Kia ora! My name is Dyan and I’m one of the Student Support Advisers. 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 (Students from Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Maths and Physics and Postgraduate students and Rainbow students)
Email: Dyan Catral