Candidate: Qun Ma

Kia ora, my name is Qun Ma. I truly appreciate your consideration in voting for me as Student Representative. My identity as an international PhD candidate in Education enables me to understand and represent different stages of teaching and research from undergraduate through to doctorate. I am very active in academic and research events, for example, taking part in Three Minute Thesis and SGS Research Showcase, leading a writing group and academic panel discussion, which empower me to communicate my research and understand the research front of our university.

I am currently the Welfare President at AUSA, which allows me to participate in the Student Consultative Group and Student Council to further engage in teaching, research, and student services and lift students’ voices. One relevant project I consulted was the Curriculum Framework Transformation programme during the group meetings and a doctoral student focus group about interdisciplinary learning.

I also advocate for students’ safety, health, well-being, and support and fully engage with diverse student communities and equity groups. I keep learning and trying my best to meet the diverse needs of our community through 1) presenting different events from sports week all through suffrage week, 2) celebrating different language weeks, 3) operating and seeking funds for AUSA hardship grants, 4) promoting financial literacy, 5) advocating free public transports for students, 6) communicating Pastoral Care Code, 7) launching social media-based welfare campaign, 8) supporting mental health workshops, 9) gaining two grants to maintain AUSA period poverty project.

Amazing people and groups throughout my journey encouraged me to take a further step to run for the election as a Student Representative. Previously, I stayed offshore for almost two years, but when I came here and was brave enough to be part of AUSA, I found I could do things I did not expect myself to do before. I adapted quickly and now get along with others and appreciate the sense of community. The good mahi, I believe, I should keep, and I am capable of promoting. The University of Auckland Council is a good platform for me to represent students in teaching, research, community engagement and support and take concrete actions to bring your voice to the Council.

To be honest, I realise that I will graduate next year, but I still know I can and want to contribute to our community with my can-do attitude and solid actions. I believe you need someone who can maximise your needs to the Council and make our university’s services better tailored to your needs, which is more important than selecting someone who stays in the position but has no student influence on Council decisions. The term should become a barrier for people like me who really engage in and care about our community. This is the time to vote for me, your action executive. Ngā mihi nui.