Fuel shortage

Find out what support is available to students as the University responds to ongoing disruption to New Zealand's fuel supplies.

Aotearoa New Zealand is facing disruptions to the supply of petrol, diesel, and jet fuel.

New Zealand situation

New Zealand is currently in Phase 1 of the four-phase National Fuel Response Plan 2026. This means fuel is available and prices are rising due to external factors and supply chain pressures.

All four phases of the Government's Fuel Response Plan plan are:

• Phase 1: Watchful—The fuel market is operating effectively and fuel is available nationwide. However, prices are rising due to global market changes.
• Phase 2: Precautionary—The market continues to operate effectively and fuel is available nationwide, but there are signs of significant supply disruptions.
• Phase 3: Managed—Supply is tighter and the Government is making sure fuel gets where it is needed most.
• Phase 4: Protected—There is a bigger or sustained supply disruption, and there are formal rules to ensure fuel is distributed fairly.

Study support

A range of support is available if your studies are being impacted or if you have concerns.

Undergraduate students

If you have any concerns about your studies or course plans, please reach out to your Tītoko Student Success Adviser—they’re here to help you understand your options and make informed decisions. You can find your allocated adviser through Pūaha.

Postgraduate students

Contact your supervisor or your Postgraduate Student Adviser in the Faculty of Graduate Research for support or if your research is being impacted.

Master’s by coursework students should reach out to their Tītoko Student Success Adviser.

Support services

Contact Student Learning who offer workshops, different skills-focused resources, and one-on-one appointments to discuss your learning.

You can also contact services for your student community:

• Āwhina
• Pasifika
• International Student Experience
• Te Amaru—Disability Services
• Refugee-background Student Adviser
• Rainbow support navigators
• parents who are studying with us.

VUWSA Advocates and Tauria—Student Interest and Conflict Resolution are available to help you too.

Public transport

If you’re a full-time student, make sure you’re registered to get a tertiary travel concession. With this, you'll get a 25 percent discount on Metlink bus, rail, and ferry services.

You can also get 50 percent off public transport in Wellington by applying for the Community Connect concession. You must have a valid Community Services Card to be eligible for this discount. Find out how to apply for the Community Services Card.

If you have two classes at different campuses on the same day, you're eligible for free bus passes provided by VUWSA.

Find out more about other travel-related discounts, including for Flamingo and Lime scooters.

Looking after yourself

It’s completely understandable to be feeling upset or anxious at this time.

If your physical health or mental health condition is having an impact on your studies, book an appointment with a doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, counsellor, or one of our health navigators at Mauri Ora—Student Health and Counselling.

If you need someone to talk to, explore the range of different helplines available to support you, or you can call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

Head to The Bubble hosted by Manawa Ora—Student Wellbeing facilitators for free fruit and hot drinks, pet some Canine Therapy dogs, crafts, waiata, and an opportunity to meet with other students.

Financial assistance

A range of financial support is available including:

• meeting with one of our student finance advisers
• the Hardship Fund to help support you if you’re facing financial difficulties
• budgeting tips to help you manage your money, including guidance on making a budget.

Free food

Emergency food parcels are available throughout the year through the Community Pantry run by VUWSA, with pick-ups available from the:

• VUWSA office on level four of the Student Union Building on Kelburn campus
• Architecture and Design Library on Te Aro campus.

Free bread from Kaibosh is available from 10 am most Fridays outside the VUWSA office on level four of the Student Union Building on Kelburn campus.

More information about urgent food help is on the Kaibosh website.

Free menstrual products

Free packs of pads and tampons are available at:

• Te Aro Campus Library
• the ground floor restroom in Rankine Brown (under The Hub stairs)
• outside of the VUWSA office on the ground floor of Rutherford House.

Discount codes on menstrual products are available on the VUWSA website.