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Kā Ratoka Taunaki Tauira

Student Advocacy and Support

Student Advocacy is a free service for all students.

The Student Advocacy exists to assist students facing difficulties either within or beyond Ara that could affect their studies and their ability to achieve their academic goals.

For issues within Ara, the Student Advocate can:

  • provide support with academic probation
  • provide support concerning relationship issues with either Ara staff or fellow students
  • liaise with tutors or head of schools regarding concerns you may have
  • inform members on Ara policies and procedures
  • advocate for the rights of a student individually, classes or the entire student body.

For issues beyond Ara, the Student Advocate can:

  • assist with problem solving
  • provide advocacy and support with government and non government agencies, e.g. StudyLink or Work and Income NZ
  • provide support with everyday life issues
  • provide support and referrals to address alcohol and drug issues, mental health issues, family violence, court proceedings, housing issues and counselling.

Privacy and confidentiality

The Student Advocate is a registered counsellor and a member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors. They are bound by the Code of Ethics, Bicultural Code of Practice and Complaints Procedure of these organisations. All records are kept in a locked office in a secure building facility. All meetings between the student advocate and students are confidential unless there are safety issues involved or permission has been granted from the student.

Contact details

Madras Campus –
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am – 4.30pm

Woolston Campus –
Wednesday 8.30am – 3.30pm

Manawa Campus –
Monday 9am – 4pm

You can contact Duncan by calling him on 027 273 6246 or emailing him at duncan.dunbar@ara.ac.nz. His office is located at X106 in the Rakaia Centre at the City campus.