Care and support

If you feel like you need support or guidance with your studies, talk to one of our friendly advisers.

Science student support advisers

We’re here to listen, work with you to find solutions and offer support in a safe,
non-judgmental space.  Plus, we can connect you with the right resources to help you through.

We can support you with:

  • Facilitating a space to discuss your mental wellbeing. 
  • Provide guidance on processes such as late deletions or aegrotats. 
  • Offer support with academic standing (At Risk, Restriction, Termination).
  • Discuss equity related concerns.
  • Offer general academic advice in relation to your needs, such as reducing workload or taking a break from studies.
  • Time management, semester scheduling and dealing with procrastination.

Make an appointment

Connect to the relevant student support adviser below to request an
appointment.

   
Abi van Dyke
 Psychology, Maths, Stats, Physics, Anthro and students with a disability
Dyan Catral
Computer Science, ITM and Data Science 
Kaiwen
Yang
Marine Science and Transnational Education students
Lizzie
Tafili
Māori and Pacific students
Polly George Biological Sciences and Rainbow 
Steve
Leilua
Chemistry, Food Science, Exercise Science, Environment and Postgraduate students

About our Student Support Advisers

Student Support Advisor Abi van Dyk
Student Support Advisor Abi van Dyk

Kia ora koutou | Sàwàtdii kâ,

Ko Abi toku ingoa and I’m a Student Support Advisor for Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Psychology, Anthropology and Students with Disabilities.

I understand that there can be difficulties during studies and am here to help navigate them. I am passionate about empowering students’ well-being and supporting them in their university journey. I acknowledge and hold space for those with added challenges that can impact them, regardless of what these challenges may be.

I have completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology, as well as a Certificate in Fine Arts. My work and volunteer experience background is in a variety of support and youth work roles.

If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, I am keen to have a chat, listen and guide you through what you need support with!I look forward to connecting with you.

Contact Abi van Dyke
Student Support Advisor (Maths, Stats, Physics, Psychology, Anthropology and Students with Disabilities)

 

Student Support Adviser Dyan Catral
Student Support Adviser Dyan Catral

Kia ora! My name is Dyan and I am incredibly passionate about supporting students’ holistic wellbeing and academic journey. I value creating meaningful connections and I’m always keen for a chat! I am here to listen to your experiences, link you with a range of support, and empower you to reach your full potential.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, both from the University of Auckland. My career background is in student support in Aotearoa New Zealand schools.

I look forward to connecting and journeying with you throughout your studies at Waipapa Taumata Rau!

Dyan Catral
Student Support Adviser (Computer Science, ITM and Data Science)
 

Student Support Advisor Kaiwen Yang
Student Support Advisor Kaiwen Yang

Kia ora koutou - 你们好!

I am Kaiwen, a Student Support Advisor for international students from articulation programmes in the Faculty of Science. Through my experience of working as an international student Support Advisor and being an international student myself, I fully understand that studying abroad can be very challenging for many international students.

It is my passion to help you navigate through these challenges when you
face various social-cultural and academic adjustments to a new environment,
helping you regain your confidence and work-life balance, and seeing you thrive on your study journey at the University of Auckland.

I have a Master Degree in Marine Science and my career background is in
transnational education. Please feel free to send me an email and book a Zoom
or face-to-face appointment. I am happy to help.

Kaiwen Yang
International Student Support Advisor (Marine Science and TNE students)

Student Support Advisor Lizzie Tafili
Student Support Advisor Lizzie Tafili

Kia ora koutou and Tālofa lava!

Ko Lizzie toku ingoa and I am a Student Support Adviser for
ākonga Māori and Pasifika. I am passionate about journeying alongside students, by encouraging and empowering them to find whanaungatanga at the university and navigate them towards academic success.

I hold qualifications in biomedical science and youth development. My career background is in academic tuition and youth and community work across a range of contexts.

I am always up for a kōrero, and look forward to supporting you throughout your time at Waipapa Taumata Rau.

Lizzie Tafili
Student Support Adviser (Māori and Pacific students)
 

Student Support Advisor Polly George
Student Support Advisor Polly George

Kia ora koutou katoa,

Ko Polly tōku ingoa, I’m one of the Student Support Advisers for Biological Sciences, Rainbow Students and Tertiary Foundation Certificate alumni.

I am currently studying a Postgraduate Graduate Diploma in Counselling Theory at Waipapa Taumata Rau, and volunteer for a crisis support service.

I understand how challenging it can be to juggle your studies, academic and personal life all at once and I am here to navigate this with you.

Whether you’re seeking a one-off conversation or ongoing support, feel free to drop me an email – I am happy to offer a Zoom or face-to-face catch up!

Polly George
Student Support Adviser (Biological Sciences and Rainbow students)

Student Support Advisor Steve Leilua
Student Support Advisor Steve Leilua

Kia Ora Koutou,

My name is Steve and I am a Student Support Adviser for Chemistry, Food Science, Exercise Science and Environmental Sciences. I also support Postgraduate students.

As a previous University of Auckland student, I know there are many challenges we can face on our journey to reach our academic goals.

Sometimes, we need someone who will listen and understand what we are going through and guide us to the right place. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed or just need to have a chat.

I look forward to supporting you through your journey here at The University of Auckland.

Steve Leilua
Student Support Adviser (Chemistry, Food Science, Exercise Sciences, Environment and Postgraduate students)