Voting is open from Monday, September 22nd at 9am until Thursday the 25th at 4pm for the Otago University Students Association Executive and the Te Rōpū Māori Te Rito. Here are your candidates.
OUSA
President – Leads the Executive and serves as the primary representative of the association
Liam White
Kia ora, ko Liam White toku ingoa. I’m a Master’s student from South Auckland (via Scotland and Aussie) and I’m running again to be your President in 2026. This year I’ve gone hard for students: fighting dodgy landlords, pushing for a Student Bar, tackling cost-of-living pressures, and making sure your voice counts. But I’m not done. 2026 is about building a student experience defined by dignity, not poverty. That means flats that don’t suck, cheaper living, zero-fees tertiary fees, and a campus buzzing with our music, our politics, and our community. You deserve a union that isn’t afraid to stand up for you. If you want a President who’ll keep fighting for a stronger and bolder OUSA, then back me for another term. Let’s make 2026 a year where students lead from the front. Remember, do it right, vote Liam White and welcome to Round two.
Insta: @Liam4OUSA
Daniel Leamy
Kia ora, I’m Daniel Leamy and I’m excited to be running for OUSA President in 2026. Since joining the Executive as Finance & Strategy Officer in 2024, I’ve seen firsthand what works for students, and what doesn’t. OUSA needs a bold, practical leader who puts students at the centre. My three priorities for 2026: Student Housing) I’ll push OUSA to pilot a Healthy Homes compliance programme, forcing dodgy landlords to bring flats up to standard so students don’t have to live in unsafe, unhealthy housing. Cost of Living) With the crisis hitting students hard, I’ll push OUSA to negotiate discounts on essentials like power and WiFi, helping students manage bills and focus on study. Student Bar) I’ll lobby the University to fund a bar, providing a safe, affordable space for students to socialise and unwind. I’m ready to drive change and make OUSA work for everyone. Vote Daniel Leamy for President.
Admin Vice President – Supports the President, oversees Executive operations, and ensures adherence to policies
Tate Agnew
Kia ora! I’m Tate Agnew, an ecology, history and zoology second-year running for administrative vice president. My policies include improving accessibility, promoting sustainability, reducing housing insecurity, and supporting undergraduate research. I am on the board for Momentum and was previously student trustee and on my local youth board. I have worked as an environmental consultant for COP, the Ministry for the Environment, two climate ministers, and local boards. I am president of the Art Club, Co-Leader of AAPES, a general executive member for SEA, a marketing team member for Chiasma, and a Social Impact Lead for UniCrew. Contacts: tateagnew@gmail.com @tate4ousa
Kamesha Jones (Tramping Club endorsement)
Kia Ora! I love climbing mountains! My mission? Conquering mountains of work serving the student community. I major in Politics and Ecology, giving me a profound understanding around integrating sustainability with political change. I am stoked to be endorsed by Otago University Tramping Club! I served as 2025 President, managing 27 exec, 60+ leaders and 500+ members. This involved many hours of admin/policy work. Based on my experience, I am well-qualified to serve OUSA with dedication and strength. In 2026 I aim to bridge the disconnect between students and exec. Moreover, to help breathe life into student culture, wellbeing and events.
Sam Smith-Soppet
Kia Ora. Since my first year, I’ve been involved in some way, shape, or form with OUSA, whether through Critic, Radio One, and clubs like POLSA. The opportunities that have been provided to both myself and those around me have been incredible, and I want this to stay. As is, OUSA is in a financial pickle, having not turned a profit for several years, and projections show that if nothing changes, all the services that are provided through the Association would either stop being provided or would be rolled into the uni, losing its connection to students as a whole.
Finance & Strategy Officer – Manages the association’s finances and develops its business strategy
Troy Gibbons
Kia ora, I’m Troy Gibbons and I’m running for Finance and Strategy Officer. I’m an Accounting and PPE student, Treasurer for three clubs, and a firm believer that students deserve better. Flats shouldn’t have landlords who disregard us. We deserve to have a student bar where we can jam to live music and have a safe and AFFORDABLE drinking space, more funding for the clubs that keep us sane, and an OUSA that actually fights for you. It’s time someone actually stands up for us students, and if you agree Vote Troy – the finance bro with a bad mo. Instagram @Troy_4_OUSA
Dominic Sarelius
Hi everyone! My name is Dominic Sarelius, I’m 19, and I am passionate about wanting to make life better for students. I would also love to bring a younger student's voice to the exec. I am running for FSO because I want to help the work of bringing OUSA out of last year’s 680k deficit and continue to make good financial choices to improve student life and improve governance of OUSA. Most importantly I plan on increasing access to student social spaces and events including a student pub while also helping Student Support to continue the amazing work they do.
Academic Representative – Represents students on educational matters
Harry Almey
Hello! As I reach the end of my undergrad in History and Theatre Studies, I look back and
realise just how much academic assistance I have received. We'd all certainly notice if
Disability Support or PASS disappeared tomorrow. So I will be your passionate advocate, fighting every step to protect the gains our student union has made, and for further expansions such as a proper lecture recording policy. Elbows up, Otago! We need next year's Exec to pull together. As a team player and consummate professional, I will work to make us haul on the rope together.
Hansini Wijekoon
Throughout my four years of studying Law and PPE at the University of Otago, I have been an academic victim, and I have also been an academic weapon, but now, it is time for me to be your Academic Representative for 2026. From the 8th Floor of Richardson, to the Pint Night line, and the Radio One booth (#HavingAHootTuesdays1PM), I STAY yapping on campus. Let me give back to the university that has given me everything. Tell me what you want, and let’s see what we can do about it — together. People love me, fish fear me. Vote Hansini.
Welfare & Equity Representative – Focuses on student welfare and equity issues
Liam Melvin
Ko Liam ahau, and I'm delighted to stand to be your Welfare and Equity Representative for the 2026 OUSA Exec! I have cerebral palsy, am deaf & neurodivergent. Will the next OUSA exec cut services, or champion them? The choice is yours. If you make me your choice, you get a rep who opposes any budget cuts, and fights for fees-free. I'll also continue work on staff engagement, focusing on alternative arrangements. Student engagement is also equally as important, and looking at setting up weekly forums to let you guys know what's happening in my space is important to me.
Rihana Warsame
I currently serve on the executive boards of the African Students Association (as Wellbeing Officer for 2025), the Muslim Students Association, and Amnesty Youth Otago. In these roles, I have successfully fostered an inclusive campus culture that celebrates our differences. My passion lies in advocating for diversity/cultural competency, enhancing student well-being, and ensuring that every voice is acknowledged. If elected, I will strive to establish a university where equality is tangible and every student feels supported, valued, and empowered. This includes advocating for exam arrangements, better support for minority groups, and making student health more accessible.
Political Representative – Advocates for student views on political issues
Harry Almey
I will represent all of you. Otago Uni attracts students from all over the world, each with unique perspectives and priorities. Entering a general election year, the Politics Representative's status as an independent and approachable student voice in politics is incredibly important. I would fight for bread-and-butter issues, armed with my excellent writing skills and boundless energy. More, being engaged in local and national politics, I'm sufficiently knowledgeable (nerdy) on the issues that affect us. Next year's Exec needs to pull together. As a team player and consummate professional, I will work to make us haul on the rope together.
Flynn Nisbett
OUSA is disconnected from students. With fees going up year after year, the student association mostly refuses to take a stance on issues that impact students. We are now facing the threat of further cuts: paying more for less services with the excuse of being ‘fiscally responsible’. OUSA should not be here to make money from students. OUSA needs to put its foot in the door of management for students instead of sitting cross-legged outside. A vote for Flynn for Political rep is a vote against cuts to services and a fight for fees free (like it used to be).
Fergus Parks
Finally got your attention? Good. My name is Fergus Parks, and with the OUSA elections approaching, I’m running to be your Executive Political Representative for 2026. Why am I running? Because I’m a man of my word, and as events earlier this year have shown, it’s time to see the executive return to the people, by the people. If stepping into the jaws of this beast is what it takes to bring change from within, then I’m your man. I’m committed to ensuring that our political representation reflects the views of all students, while maintaining open communication and cooperation in presenting our collective voice. It’s time to band together, make our voices count, and ensure that student perspectives have a role in shaping the decisions that affect us all. As students united, we cannot be ignored.
Clubs & Societies Representative – Promotes and supports student clubs and societies
Kamesha Jones (Tramping Club endorsement)
Kia Ora! Coming to you (not quite live), having just left the post of Tramping Club President, I am running as Clubs and Socs Rep! Tramping club presidency involved many hours of admin and policy work, which gave me great insight into the inner workings of OUSA clubs. I am extremely passionate about what all clubs, big and small, outdoor and indoor bring to community and youth culture. In times of student hardship, I aim to support clubs, staying a lifeline of fun and community for countless students here at Otago.
Ella Mary Sangster
Anyone who knows me, knows I am an absolute clubs and societies fiend! From Singapore Club to Thursdays in Black, I have been involved in executives across the board. During my time as co-director of TiB, we even received the honour of Society of the Year (2024). Clubs and societies are the heart of the Otago student experience for many, including myself. I support working with student culture to create life-long bonds, meaningful change, and resilient communities. It is important that the structures of OUSA continue to support and uplift our clubs and societies, and I want to ensure that!
Postgraduate Representative – Focuses on the needs of postgraduate students
Fergus Parks
Hello, me again. I'm Fergus, and I'm running for your Post Grad representative in 2026. As I'm planning on a master's next year, what better way to represent those doing the same by being the very rep for it! I hope to be able to continue the communication between the students and the university regarding all things post-grad and paper-related, ensuring we get the best outcomes for all students to come.
International Representative – Represents the interests of international students
Irfaan Ariffin
Kia ora, I’m Irfaan, and I’m running for OUSA International Student Representative. I currently serve as National President of New Zealand International Students’ Association and Treasurer of the Indian Students’ Association, and in 2024 I was Co-President of the Otago International Students’ Association. My experiences have taught me one clear lesson: international students require more than lip service — we need a voice. We must stop being treated as cash cows and start being equitably recognised as equal members of this community. With 2026 bringing further uncertainty, and bleeding cuts, you need an experienced advocate. I’m ready to fight for us.
Residential Representative – Represents students’ on tenancy issues, such as residential colleges and flatting
Tyler Wichman
It's time Otago has a residential rep that engages and advocates. As your representative I'll pressure the council to implement measures to improve flat quality. These include; random but voluntary inspections, a rental WoF, and student council housing in North Dunedin. I will engage with college students and sub-wardens and advocate their needs. Furthermore, I'll relentlessly pressure the council to install crossings on Albany Street and on Dundas Street near the Castle Street intersection to make living in Dunedin safer. Finally, I will advocate for better lit streets with wider footpaths to make it safer to walk home at night!
Zoe Eckhoff
Advocacy and action, that’s what I want. Having gone through the broken Tenancy Tribunal system against a notoriously manipulative landlord, I know what it’s like and I know what we need. I’ve already featured the issue on 1News, the ODT, RNZ and more in addition to having spoken to the DCC, MBIE and The Valley Project. Being in this role would give me the power and resources to go even further. I have actionable ideas I can bring to the executive table to ensure the health and safety of student tenants, so let me make a change you can experience.
Te Rōpū Māori
Tumuaki Takirua - Co-President
Jarna Flintoff
He uri ahau no Ngā Rauru, Ngāti Uenuku me Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga ano hoki. He ako au i te tau tuatoru ki te mahi o te whare Kōhatu me te Ture.
Voted TRM’s dynamic duo 2024, we are now running to be your Tumuaki Takirua 2026! Since meeting in Year 9 (2018 oop), we’ve worked together tirelessly on kaupapa for our people – from facilitating high school events to interning at Te Oranganui. But it’s not just our abilities or experience that drives us – it’s our deep commitment to serve and uplift te iwi Māori.
Tumuaki Takirua - Co-President
Sami Harrison Dunn
Tena rā tatou! He uri au nō Te Tai Tokerau, Hauraki me te korowai o Koro Taranaki. He akonga tau tuatoru au i Neuroscience me te whare o Te Tumu ano hoki.
Yes, you read right... voted TRM’s dynamic duo 2024, we’re running for Tumuaki Takirua, 2026! Since first year, we’ve reaped the benefits of TRM and our university experience is defined by TRM’s drive to thrive as a whānau—using TRM as our kainga rua to forge hononga with tauira. We’re excited to give back to our TRM whānau to ensure future tauira reap the benefits just like us.
Kaipāpāho Matua - Communications Officer
Brady Simeon
Mauri Ora, ko Brady Simeon ahau,he uri tēnei nō Ngāpuhi, NgātiHine, e tū nei au mō te tūranga Kaipāpāho Matua. E whakaponotia ahau ko te pāpāho he ara kaha hei horahia i ngā kaupapa Māori, hei whakakotahi hoki i a tātou ngā tauira Māori. Mā tēnei tūranga, e hiahia ana au ki te ārahi, i ngā mahi pae pāpāho pāpori me te whakatairanga i ngā kaupapa a TRM, kia rangona, kia kitea hoki e ngā tauira. Ngā mea nui ki ahau ko te manaakitanga, te whanaungatanga, ā, mā ēnei tū āhuatanga ka tae e au te kawe i ngā mahi.
Kaiwhakahaere Kaupapa - Events Officer
Dennis Kristel
Kia Ora koutou, ko Dennis ahau.
My goal is to bring my experience, my knowledge and my connections to welcome our new students (#WikiO) and make sure all our tauira Māori have a year filled with fun, laughter and whānanungatanga. Being a local for 16 years I have built a database of what Dunedin has to offer, either on the sports field or for a good night out. If you know me, you know I bring the vibe, and that’s my plan as Kaiwhakahaere Kaupapa, 2026!
Āpiha Matauranga - Education Officer
Jacqueline Nankivell
Kei aku nui kei aku rahi tena ra koutou katoa! Ko Jacqueline tōku ingoa he uri tenei no Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Ngati Porou, Ngati Maniapoto me Ngapuhi. Tena poti mai mo tenei e hiahia kia whai tunga hei apiha matauranga mo Te Rōpu Māori 2026! Maha o oku pukenga ki roto i te wahanga matauranga, mai i nga kawenga a kura, a karahipi ano hoki. no reira kia whaia tātou i te iti kahurangi ki te tuohu koe me he maunga teitei!
Āpiha Ahurea - Cultural Officer
Maioha Anae
Ko wai tēnei e haruru ana te whenua? Ko Maioha Ngawhira Anae! Mai i ngā puna ō Te Awakairangi, nei rā ko ngā reo ō Ngaati Tiipa, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, ō Ngaapuhi-nui-tonu hoki, e karanga nei, e mihi nei ki a koutou katoa. My name is Maioha Anae and I have long had the passion for exploring the different mahi toi. Because of this, I wish to incorporate those tikanga, and creativities into the role of Āpiha Ahurea. I feel it creates a connection between all tauira through a variety of Māori practices.