Student Council
The Student Council is made up of nine members across our campuses. Its main purpose is to ensure that students are well-represented and supported across the wider Manukau Institute of Technology at all times. The Council supports and engages with local student representatives to gain feedback from the student body and then deliver it at a strategic level; alongside Te Pukenga Leadership.
See below for roles and the eligibility criteria:
Roles and 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.
Meet your current 2024 Student Council (click to expand)
Student President | Matangaro La'akulu Raea
"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
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
"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
Ōtara Campus Representative | Sven Edwards
"I love the experience of studying alongside such a diverse range of people, MIT is a cultural exchange".
Manukau Campus Representative | Courtnay Flavell
"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
"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."
International Representative | Armaan Singh
Studying at MIT is a fulfilling experience for me as it reflects professionalism and creativity in the academic environment. This has holistically shaped me and my perspectives in just a few months. The collaboration among learners fosters a sense of belongingness and encourages productivity. I enjoy my study experience for it has equipped me with a comprehensive skill set. Overall, the learning opportunities and the hands-on experience at MIT has provided me with great value of knowledge.
Techpark Representative | Maneesh Singh
What I enjoy about MIT is quality inclusively within learning environments. Another is the lecturers as they embrace all MIT values in a manner of where students are able to understand and learn in depth with full support. MIT I personally see has inclusive and dynamic learning, which apply to all students from all backgrounds.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
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 that will be provided once the nomination period begins.
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 2025 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.