Lizzie Tafili

Image of Lizzie Tafili, a Student Support Adviser for Māori and Pacific students studying in the Faculty of Science.

Ko Tafili tōku tupuna
Ko Sa’anapu toku pa
Ko te Moana nui a Kiwi te moana e tukuna te au kia whakatere tēnei waka.

I tipu ake au ki te taha o te awa, Ko Waikanae tera.
I tū au I runga I a Kapapkapanui maunga
Ko Ngati Awa te wahi tapu I whakahaumaru I a ahau

I hunuku ahau ki te moana o Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa.
Kei te noho au ki raro I te maru o Te Pane o Mataoho.
Ā, ka tutaki au ki oku whānau o te moana nui a kiwa.
Ko Whaea Vaiama e awhina, tiakina hoki ki ahau
Ki ngā wai katoa, Ko te Wairua Tapu e whakaora I a ahau ki tenei whenua Māori.
Ko Elizabeth Tafili tōku ingoa

Lizzie Tafili is a Student Support Adviser for Māori and Pacific students studying in the Faculty of Science. Her role is to provide care and support for students of this cohort throughout the duration of their studies. Lizzie is available if students wish to discuss needs pertaining to their wellbeing within a confidential space. She is well networked to the different services within the university so she is able to connect students to the appropriate support. Furthermore, students can contact Lizzie if they have any queries regarding degree planning, aegrotats, compassionate considerations, late deletions, financial hardship, devices, and wi-fi.

Lizzie graduated from Te Herenga Waka (Victoria University of Wellington), with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBmedSc). Having been a science student herself, she understands the experiences and pressures that students face whilst undertaking tertiary studies. She recognises that whanau priorities and other external factors can have an impact on a student’s studies and is always willing to help students find balance and work with them to find solutions.

Additionally, Lizzie completed a NZ Diploma in Youth Work where she was trained in using therapeutic and positive youth development approaches when leading, facilitating and working with rangatahi. Her six years of youth-work experience across different contexts has played a pivotal role in strengthening her approachability, pastoral and communication skills.

Lizzie is passionate about coming alongside students, encouraging and empowering them to find whanaungatanga at the university while also navigating them towards academic success. It is always a great privilege for her to journey with students through the highs and lows. Lizzie is always up for a kōrero and is eager to support students throughout their time here at Waipapa Taumata Rau.

The best way to contact Lizzie would be either by emailing her (lizzie.tafili@auckland.ac.nz), ringing her or sending a text (027 561 5083). She is available year round, for both in person appointments at the City Campus or via zoom.