Student advisors
Awhi Tauira (Student Support)
Our Specialised team of Student Support Advisors can help get you sorted before and during your learning journey.
Our Services
- StudyLink Guidance
- Emergency financial support
- Overcoming Barriers to Your Studies
- Concern & Complaints Support
- Referrals to other student services ( Counselling, well-being, careers, Academic support, Library)
- Work-life balance Plans
- Foodbank Parcels ( 1 per student with info for local mainstream Foodbanks)
How to contact your Student Advisor
Email: wecare@manukau.ac.nz
Freephone: 0800 696 487
They're available from Monday - Friday, 8.30 am - 4:30 pm and are located on the following campuses:
- MIT Ōtara | Dilworth Building, NA Block
- MIT Manukau | The second floor
- MIT TechPark | The main lobby
- MIT Mahurangi & MIT Maritime CBD | Distant support provided via call or video call
Meet your Student Support Advisors
Name: Trisha Edwards
Ethnicity: Māori
Home country/city: Tamaki Makaurau
Campus: Manukau
WHAT DO I DO FOR MY WELLNESS?
"Watch a good TV series or do some reading."
MY SURVIVAL TIP FOR STUDIES
"Don't stress the little stuff, and don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't know."
Name: Laisa Turaga
Ethnicity: Fijian
Home country/city: Fiji
Campus: Ōtara
WHAT DO I DO FOR MY WELLNESS?
"I enjoy the outdoors, especially climbing, walking, and studio fitness. Spending time with family and good friends plays a big part in my wellness."
MY SURVIVAL TIP FOR STUDIES
"Support is always available. You are not alone in this journey. Reach out for help in any circumstances."
Name: Arpana Choudhary
Ethnicity: Indian
Home country/city: India, Delhi
Campus: Techpark
WHAT DO I DO FOR MY WELLNESS?
"Spending time with family, playing with my cat, art projects and reading books"
MY SURVIVAL TIP FOR STUDIES
"Set your goals, focus on them and just do it."
Name: Janice Rokodakunivosa
Ethnicity: Samoan
Home country/city: Ōtara, New Zealand
Campus: All Campus /Senior Advisor
WHAT DO I DO FOR MY WELLNESS? I love spending time with my family and friends. Finding opportunities to serve people around me. I love D.I.Y projects that allow me to be creative and MUSIC.
MY SURVIVAL TIP FOR STUDIES
"Make sure you have a good support system, find your team and lean on them when you need! Studying can be hard but find things that bring you joy throughout your journey and before you know it, you'll be walking the graduation stage."
Name: Pani-Te-Huatahi McLean
Ethnicity: NZ Māori - Ngati Porou
Home country/city: Tamaki Makaurau
Campus: Manukau
WHAT DO I DO FOR MY WELLNESS?
"Listen to music, video chat with whanau and friends and plan the next holiday destination."
MY SURVIVAL TIP FOR STUDIES
"If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there."
Name: Lenora Lui
Ethnicity: Samoan
Home country/city: Auckland
Campus: Techpark
WHAT DO I DO FOR MY WELLNESS?
"Enjoy being out in nature and watching a good series."
MY SURVIVAL TIP FOR STUDIES
"Failing doesn't mean you have failed. You can use it as a road map to success."