Student Council
MEET YOUR CURRENT 2024 STUDENT COUNCIL (Click to expand)
Student President | Matangaro La'akulu Raea
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT STUDYING AT MIT | TE PŪKENGA?
"There are many reasons why I enjoy studying at MIT/TP. What I enjoy during my 3 years most about MIT/Te Pukenga is the high quality of involvement from students from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds embracing each other like whānau. No matter what practice we study individually, students uphold the values of Whanaungatanga and Manaakitanga to ensure safe learning spaces are fostered for our academic learners to enjoy their academic experience here at MIT/TP."
Student Vice-President | Titilua Taulapapa
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT STUDYING AT MIT | TE PŪKENGA?
There are few things I enjoyed and blessed to be a student at MIT/Te Pūkenga, and one of those amazing things I enjoyed the most is the interaction between me as a student and my lecturers. They know me by heart and very easy to approach, there's nothing I couldn't do as a student at MIT when comes to assignments because I have the most amazing support system.
Blessed with the Best!!
Māori Representative | Mary Peni
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT STUDYING AT MIT | TE PŪKENGA?
"I chose MIT mainly due to being born and bred In South Auckland, this was home for me and having the comfort of whānau and friends close by to support my nursing journey has kept my passion alive. Ōtara Campus has become home, and Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae has become part of my whakapapa."
Pasifika Representative | Hennseosni Sealiimalietoa
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT STUDYING AT MIT | TE PŪKENGA?
Ōtara Campus Representative | Sven Edwards
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT STUDYING AT MIT | TE PŪKENGA?
"I love the experience of studying alongside such a diverse range of people, MIT is a cultural exchange".
Manukau Campus Representative | Courtnay Flavell
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT STUDYING AT MIT | TE PŪKENGA?
"The diversity of teaching staff means a broader curriculum for students to experience, as well as different teaching styles and ways of looking at the world. Diversity within the student body provides new opportunities for young people to understand different ways of thinking and living."
Well-being Representative | Liva Ulugia
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT STUDYING AT MIT | TE PŪKENGA?
"MIT offers extensive support in whatever area you need. MIT made being on campus and studying stress free. This campus has become a second home and I’m extremely grateful for the wrap around support I receive as a student. MIT has made my dream of striving for success easy and I would highly recommend to the wider community. We are an institute for all."
The Student Council is made up of 9 members across our campuses. See below for roles and the eligibility criteria:
President
To be eligible for the role of President you must be able to demonstrate previous leadership experience at a governance level.
Vice-President
To be eligible for the role of Vice-President you must be able to demonstrate previous leadership experience at a governance level.
Māori representative
To be eligible for the role of Māori representative, you must be of Māori descent.
Pasifika representative
To be eligible for the role of Pasifika representative, you must be of Pasifika descent.
International representative
To be eligible for the role of international representative you must be a current international student with a current Student Visa.
Wellbeing representative
There is no specific eligibility for the role, however we strongly encourage students with disabilities, and/or those interested in wellbeing.
Manukau Campus representative
To be eligible for the role of Manukau Campus representative, you must be a student studying at the Manukau campus.
Ōtara Campus representative
To be eligible for the role of Ōtara Campus representative, you must be a student studying at the Ōtara campus.
TechPark Campus representative
To be eligible for the role of TechPark Campus representative, you must be a student studying at the TechPark campus.
Election Process:
Nominations | Monday 7 August – Sunday 27 August |
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Campaigning | Monday 9 October – Sunday 22 October |
Voting | Monday 23 October – Sunday 29 October |
Announcement | Thursday 2 November |
Nominations & Screening
Nominations are made by our students and staff via an online nomination form. They will then go through a screening process, to check the candidate’s suitability. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed. Please note: You must have the other person’s permission if you’re nominating someone else.
Campaigning
Successful applicants will attend a campaigning workshop a week prior to campaigning with information around campaigning rules and resources. They create promotional material to advertise around MIT in the campaigning weeks. Be as creative as you want!
Voting
All MIT students are able to vote for their President, Vice President and Student Council members. Total 9 votes. This is done through a secure online voting app.
Successful Candidates Announced
Votes will be tallied and scrutinised by a Justice of the Peace. Candidates receive the outcome of the election and Student Council membership is announced.
Conditions
Successfully elected candidates agree to stand in their elected role in 2024 and will abide by the terms and requirements of their position. See FAQs.
The term of service for all successfully elected candidates will be from February to December 2024.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Student Council and what is its purpose?
The main purpose of the Student Council is to ensure that students are well represented and supported across the wider Manukau Institute of Technology at all times. They will support and engage with local student representatives to gain feedback from the student body and then deliver it at a strategic level; alongside Te Pukenga Leadership.
Why join the Student Council?
- You gain leadership skills and experience that can be used to improve your CV and Linkedin profile; which increases your chances of being employed after you graduate.
- You gain confidence. Sitting on different boards and committees across the institute; working with MIT leaders gives you experience and the ability to grow in confidence – so you’re ready for the real world.
- You can make a real difference in your community - Being involved in decision making and the design of the learning experience here at MIT helps to future proof the education for students now and students to come.
What are Student Council Responsibilities?
- Keep MIT Student Centric!
- Contribute to the decision-making at Te Pukenga
- Represent Te Pukenga students at boards, committees and working group meetings.
- Regularly review Te Pukenga Policies alongside policy makers ensuring they are student friendly and fit for purpose
- Approve the Compulsory Student Services Fee and assist in setting the annual budget for student services.
- Represent MIT at external engagements within the education sector and with New Zealand media (when required).
- Assist with recruiting the MIT School representatives.
- Maintain strong connections with other Student Voice Representatives at Te Pukenga to ensure feedback is being filtered up to MIT Leadership.
How do I apply?
Online Nomination – Fill in the online nomination form provided in the link and submit.
Who can nominate?
Both Students and Staff are eligible to nominate students. The student being nominated must give permission if being put forward by another person. The voting process is only open to Students.
Who can be nominated?
ANY student who is enrolled for at least 12 weeks in the 2023 academic year is eligible for nomination.
What are the benefits of joining?
- Paid Honorarium
- Leadership and Community Development
- Paid Opportunities throughout the year
- Opportunities to represent Te Pukenga in the Education Sector
- Be involved in the design of your own Educational experience
How much time will it take up?
Approximately 2 hours a week. This is flexible around your study; and you have a team of students who support each other to ensure you are all still receiving the same (if not better) quality of education. There are compulsory monthly meetings; that members are expected to attend; but all other opportunities are shared amongst members and completely up to you. There are also paid opportunities that are available throughout the year.