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
If concerns are impacting your studies reach out to our team for a confidential kōrero chat. We will listen to and work with your needs in a safe, non-judgmental space and connect you with our available resources.
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.
- Merrion Baker-Matamu: Student Support Team Leader
- Kaiwen Yang: Marine and TNE students
- Steve Leilua: Psychology, Chemistry, Exercise Sciences and low socio-economic students
- Emma Cooper-Williams: Maths, Stats, Physics, PG and students with a disability
- Erica Farrelly: Anthro, Biological Sciences, Environment and students of refugee background
- Lizzie Tafili: Māori and Pacific students
- Dyan Catral: Computer Science, Data Science, ITM and rainbow students
About our Student Support Advisers
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 (Computer Science, Data
Science, ITM and Rainbow students)
Email: Dyan Catral
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 Anthro, 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
Emma Cooper-Williams
Kia ora koutou,
Ko Emma toku ingoa, I am a Student Support Adviser for Students with
Disabilities, Postgraduate Students, and students majoring in Statistics,
Mathematics, and Physics.
I have worked and volunteered in support roles within community
organisations, including RainbowYOUTH and Youthline; I am passionate about
supporting student wellbeing, to support students to navigate challenges
encountered during their studies.
I completed my undergraduate degree in History and Social Science for
Public Health, and postgraduate studies in Politics and Social Sciences, here
at Waipapa Taumata Rau. I am a wheelchair user and identify as living with a
disability. I am an advocate for access and inclusion, and an ally for people
with invisible disabilities.
I am keen to hear about how you would like to be supported while
completing your studies; please come on by for a kōrero!
Emma Cooper-Williams
Student Support Adviser (Maths, Stats, Physics, PG, students with a disability)
Email: Emma
Steve Leilua
Kia Ora Koutou,
My name is Steve, and I am an undergraduate student support adviser for Psychology, Chemistry and Low-Socioeconomic Students.
As a previous University of Auckland student, I know there are many challenges we can face on our journey to reach our academic goals. Sometimes, we need someone who will listen and understand what we are going through and guide us to the right place. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed or just need to have a chat.
I look forward to supporting you through your journey here at The University of Auckland.
Steve Leilua
Student Support Adviser (Psychology, Chemistry & Low Socio-Economic Students)
Email: Steve
Kaiwen Yang
Kia ora Koutou - 你们好!
I am Kaiwen, a Student Support Advisor for international students from
articulation programmes in the Faculty of Science. Through my experience of
working as an international student Support Advisor 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 Advisor (Marine Science and TNE students)
Email: Kaiwen