Ask us – Equity contacts
Here are some of the Waipapa Taumata Rau staff who can help you with equity-related queries.
For staff members
Staff diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)
There are two key people in Human Resources (HR) who are responsible for staff DEI, and you can find their contact details below. They lead policy, programmes, capability training, monitoring, and reporting.
Associate Director Staff Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, HR
Focuses on workplace DEI outcomes for academic and professional staff through designing and implementing strategies, plans and programmes. This role is also responsible for the provision of expert advice to members of HR and the University community.
Dr Guillermo Merelo (he/him), email: guillermo.merelo@auckland.ac.nz
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Experience Lead
This role contributes to the design and delivery of an outstanding DEI employee experience and ensures processes, policies, and regular interactions with staff DEI are cohesively mapped and delivered through excellent service standards. The Lead is also the first point of contact for engaging with all DEI staff related networks, providing technical and logistical advice and support.
Shasha Ali (she/her/dia), email: shasha.ali@auckland.ac.nz
Staff Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion networks and support
Staff with Disabilities network
Co-chairpersons Professor Virginia Braun and Emma Sadera
Women of Colour network
Co-chairpersons: Suzanne Acharya and Fay Nanai
Muslim Staff network
Chairperson: Dr Naashia Mohamad
Asian Staff network
Co-chairpersons: Lincoln Dam and Dr Pooja Yadav
Staff Rainbow network
Co-chairpersons: Stephanie Harris and Tee Tee Bouttier-Esprit
These networks provide opportunities for staff to connect with one another. If you would like more information or to join any of these networks, please email staffdei@auckland.ac.nz
For students, and staff members with student queries
Student diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) teams
There are several key people in Campus Life who are responsible for student diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Manager, Student Equity
Leads DEI related programmes, awareness training, monitoring, and reporting. This mahi includes working with students to develop and implement strategy, widen participation, celebrate, and affirm diversity, reduce barriers, and advise the University on improvements and new trends that emerge.
Jodie Peterson, email jodie.peterson@auckland.ac.nz.
Student networks and support
Student Disability Services
This service supports students with disabilities. Details are available on the Student Disability Services pages.
Manager, Student Disability Services
Mark Thomson, email mr.thomson@auckland.ac.nz
Student Rainbow Support
The Rainbow Support Adviser provides a holistic approach to student wellbeing for the student rainbow community, offering 1:1 and group opportunities to discuss issues that might impact success. More information is available on Rainbow Students pages.
Rainbow Support Adviser
Ricky Dewstow, email ricky.dewstow@auckland.ac.nz
Te Papa Manaaki | Campus Care
Te Papa Manaaki is a safe, confidential, and free service that supports the health, wellbeing, and safety of all students at the University. Details on the Te Papa Manaaki | Campus Care pages.
More...
Visit the Student Personal Support pages.
Do you have a project or query needing an equity perspective
If you have a programme of work that would benefit from an equity perspective or an equity representative on the team, please contact Vicki Watson – Manager, Equity on v.watson@auckland.ac.nz
Faculties and large-scale research institutes (LSRIs)
All faculties and LSRIs have an Associate Dean Equity/Associate Director Equity responsible for chairing their respective equity and diversity committees. These roles are also members of the Equity Action Network.
| Faculty, LSRI | Associate Deans or Directors Equity |
|---|---|
| Arts | Assistant Dean Equity, Dr Maxine Lewis |
| Business School | Associate Dean Equity, Dr Barbara Plester |
| Creative Arts & Industries | Associate Dean Equity, Dr Millie Locke |
| Education & Social Work | Associate Deans Equity, Professor Missy Morton, Dr Jennifer Tatebe |
| Engineering | Associate Dean Equity, Associate Professor Catherine Watson |
| Law | Associate Dean Equity, Associate Professor Hanna Wilberg |
| Medical & Health Sciences | Associate Dean Equity, Ms Emma Sadera |
| Science | Associate Dean Equity, Dr Sonia Fonua |
| Auckland Bioengineering Institute | Associate Director Equity, Dr Julie Choisne |
| Liggins Institute | Associate Director Equity, Ms Jen Rogers |
Equity-related committees and networks
The University Equity Leadership Committee, UELC holds equity governance responsibilities. The Equity Action Network, EAN is responsible for improving equity outcomes across Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.
UELC is chaired by the Vice-Chancellor and reports to Council via Senate.
EAN is chaired by the Pro Vice-Chancellor Equity and reports into UELC.
Terms of reference, membership and committee dates can be found here.
For general equity related queries, please email equity@auckland.ac.nz