Equity-related committees and networks

The University Equity Leadership Committee (UELC) hold equity governance responsibilities for the University. UELC is chaired by the Vice-Chancellor and reports to Council via Senate. 

UELC provides leadership by:

• Identifying where synergies can be harnessed or gaps need to be addressed in improving equity across the University.
• Responding to advice, recommendations, and requests for guidance from the Equity Action Network.
  
• Ensuring the University's equity-related statutory and other compliance obligations are met.

View UELC's terms of reference, membership and meeting dates. 

For more information, email the committee secretary, Vicki Watson.

The Equity Action Network (EAN) is chaired by the Pro Vice-Chancellor Equity and reports to the University Equity Leadership Committee.  

Terms of Reference

• Collaborate on successful and sustainable implementation of the DEI Strategy and Plan within faculties, large-scale research institutes (LSRIs), and service divisions
• Share and analyse information from faculties, LSRIs, service divisions, and equity reference groups, to identify common equity issues and potential solutions
• Advise and make recommendations to the University Equity Leadership Committee on equity strategy, plans, policy, projects and outcomes
• Share and respond to monitoring and reporting on implementation of the University’s DEI strategy, plans, policy and projects
• Enhance staff and student engagement in achieving equity outcomes
• Identify and progress opportunities for collaborative cross-university initiatives, to advance equity outcomes

Membership

• Pro Vice-Chancellor Equity – Chair
• HR – Associate Director Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion  – Deputy Chair
• Faculty associate deans equity
  • Arts and Education
  • Business and Economics
  • Engineering and Design
  • Law
  • Medical and Health Science
  • Science
• Large-Scale Research Institutes associate directors equity
  • Auckland Bioengineering Institute
  • Liggins Institute
• Campus Life – Associate Director Student Wellbeing and Engagement
• Communications and Engagement – Staff Communications Manager
• Academic Quality Office – Manager Academic Quality Office
• Student and Scholarly Services – Associate Director Learning, Teaching, and Research
• Office of Pro Vice-Chancellor Equity
  • Equity Manager
  • Senior Researcher and Policy Adviser
  • Equity Portfolio Lead

Members may send a nominee if they are unavailable. 

In attendance

AUSA Executive – Welfare and Equity Vice-President

EAN meeting dates 2025

• 5 February
• 20 March
• 29 May
• 17 July
• 21 August
• 2 October
• 20 November

For more information

Contact Vicki Watson, Equity Manager at v.watson@auckland.ac.nz

The Disability Action Plan Reference Group is a vital part of the Disability Action Plan. The group critiques progress and gaps, and helps inform and provide the workstream owners with feedback throughout the life of the Disability Action Plan. 

Further information about the group is on the Disability Action Plan's Get involved page.  

Staff DEI networks are led by staff and designed to help people build belonging. Supported by the Staff DEI team, these networks provide an opportunity for staff to connect, exchange ideas and celebrate events. They also act as a collective voice for their community at the University.

Our current networks are:

• African staff network
• Asian staff network
• Disabled staff/Staff with disabilities network (DSN)
• Muslim staff network
• Rainbow staff network
• Women of Colour staff network

To join a network or to find out more, email staffdei@auckland.ac.nz.

The LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+ networks are for students and staff who identify with the Rainbow communities. This includes those who are trans and gender diverse. 

They are an opportunity for Rainbow students and staff to meet and share information about services, news and events. They also provide a voice for the University's Rainbow community and a record for issues and activities across the University. Learn more about our rainbow student communities.

Established in 2021, this group comprises University staff members and meets three times per year. Facilitated by the Equity Office Te Ara Tautika, the stakeholder group provides an opportunity for staff members from across the University to engage and discuss a broad range of equity related issues and challenges to participation and success faced by some students studying at the University.

To find out more or to become a member, contact senior research and policy adviser Chantal Creese: c.creese@auckland.ac.nz.

The Equity Practitioners Group (EPG) is a welcoming, informal network of staff and students who hold equity responsibilities in their roles, or who actively support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their everyday work and study.

The group meets online monthly to share DEI-related successes, explore challenges, and identify opportunities for collaboration and growth. The EPG is steered by the PVC Equity, and fosters connection, learning, and collective action across the university community.

To join, email Vicki Watson, Equity Manager.

We welcome equity-related networks. If you would like your network highlighted, please email equity@auckland.ac.nz.