Arie Joe

Arie Joe is a candidate in the 2026 election of one student member to the University Council.

Course of study: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence

Email: kiaora@arie.co.nz

Candidate statement

Person in glasses smiling in a large room, wearing a plaid shirt.

I’m standing for University Council because students deserve a representative who is visible, prepared, and willing to challenge decisions that make student life harder.

The University’s own surveys show the pressure students are under: 83% have worried about money, half report poor wellbeing, and fewer than half feel connected to the student community. Council should act on what students are telling it.

If elected, I will push for affordability to be considered in decisions; better access to wellbeing, academic, disability, and financial support; stronger backing for clubs and student communities; clearer course communication and digital systems; and regular reporting on service demand and wait times.

I will report back and advocate for restoring public livestreams of Council’s open sessions, so students can see how decisions are made and what their representative is doing.

I will bring an independent, practical, and evidence-led approach to Council and advocate for an affordable, connected, and accountable University.