Vote for your student member
Vote in the 2026 Massey University Council student member election.
Eligible students can vote for 1 candidate to represent the student voice on Massey University Council. Read each candidate's statement below before you cast your vote.
Voting is open from 12 noon Monday 10 August and closes at 5pm Friday 28 August 2026. All eligible students will receive an email with voting instructions when voting opens.
Find our more about the election process, key dates and regulations:
Meet the candidates
Abha Bhardwaj
I believe universities change lives - not only through education, but by preparing students for meaningful futures. This belief inspired my Master's research, which explores how universities can better support international graduates in transitioning from academic success to professional employment, and it has motivated me to stand for the Massey University Council.
As a Master of Business Studies student with extensive experience in people, operations and stakeholder engagement, I enjoy bringing people together, building trust and creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration.
My research explores how universities can better support international graduates in transitioning from academic success to professional employment. Through this work, I have developed an evidence-informed understanding of student success, graduate outcomes and the role universities play in preparing graduates for an evolving workforce. I hope to bring this perspective to Council discussions and contribute to decisions that strengthen both student outcomes and Massey's long-term future.
If elected, I will actively engage with students across our diverse Massey community, ensure their voices inform decision-making, and represent them with integrity, respect and accountability. I am committed to helping build a Massey where every student has a voice, every perspective is valued, and every decision strengthens our University's future.
Ayla Brook
Connecting student voices, with University decision making.
I'm standing for Massey University’s Council because I believe good student representation starts with being approachable. Then I follow through by listening, taking action, and making sure your voices are heard when decisions are being made.
During my time at Massey University, I've made sure student voices are heard. Through my representation role at Te Tira Ahu Pae, my work across University boards, committees, and projects, and my regular engagement with students, I've gained a strong understanding of how Massey University makes decisions, while staying connected to the experiences, challenges, and aspirations of the students those decisions affect.
I want students to know they can contact me, challenge me, and share their ideas, knowing they'll have someone who will genuinely listen and advocate on their behalf. Every student deserves to know their voice matters, whether they're studying on campus or from around the world.
I have the drive, commitment, and capacity to make a meaningful contribution to Massey University Council. I'll ask thoughtful questions, communicate openly, and advocate for decisions that support today's students and those who follow.
I would be honoured to represent you, and would greatly appreciate your support.
Jessica Gray
I may be a mature student, but I am young at heart and well-seasoned by life, work and study. I am an aspiring psychologist, certified clinical sociologist, licensed investigator, business owner and class representative who believes university should help students do more than pass assessments - it should help us belong, build lasting connections and thrive.
Having returned to study after years of professional experience, I understand the realities faced by students balancing learning with work, whānau, finances, distance and life’s unexpected challenges. As a class representative and community practitioner, I have listened to students from varied backgrounds and heard what supports - or hinders - their success.
On Council, I would bring curiosity, empathy, independent judgment and the courage to ask difficult questions. My investigative work has taught me to examine evidence carefully, protect confidentiality and speak without fear or favour, but always with dignity, respect, aroha and a mana-enhancing approach.
My goal is a Massey where every student creates not only a qualification, but craft foundations for a lifetime of thriving. To all of you, our future leaders, I will stand in the shadows so you can step into the light.
About me: www.drjg.co.nz or Facebook: Mess to Masterpieces Consulting.
Peyton Joe
Ko Te Rarawa me Ngāpuhi ōku iwi.
Ko Peyton Rangimarie Joe tōku ingoa.
I’m seeking your support to be able to represent you on the Massey University Council. With the willingness to ensure your voice is heard and aspirations are reflected as we shape the university’s direction together.
The student body/voice deserves one who is accountable, approachable, communicative and direct in delivering the thoughts, feelings, wants and needs of the students, to the highest decision-making table in our university journeys.
By bringing my experience as a student into the decision-making process, I will champion the student voice and ideas to influence meaningful change at Massey. I am eager to contribute to discussions on policy, student welfare, and campus improvements, helping to create a positive and inclusive environment for all students now and into the future.
I possess a growth and solutions-focused mindset, integrity and a strong ability to communicate to diverse ranges of people – both formally and informally. With my background in boards and governance I'm ready to lead with purpose, guided by the interest of the many I represent.
Ki te kotahi te kākaho ka whati ki te kāpuia e kore e whati.
When the reeds stand-alone they are vulnerable but bound together they are unbreakable.
Michelle Matson
Mother, distance student, business owner, and current Student Member on Council. Like many students, I’m balancing study, work, family, and the challenge of making it all fit. Those experiences help me understand the realities students face and ensure our voices remain the centre of Council decisions.
During my term, I helped recruit our new Vice-Chancellor and have been involved in shaping discussions that will influence Massey's future for years to come. It's important to continue that work by supporting the VC and the strategy we’ve set, while ensuring students remain at the centre of decision-making.
As a business owner, I've experienced firsthand how challenging the past few years have been. That perspective, combined with my Council experience, has strengthened my strategic thinking, governance skills, and ability to represent diverse viewpoints.
With Massey's centenary approaching, I believe continuity and stability on Council are more important than ever. I understand the role and can contribute from day one, bringing experience, perspective, and a genuine commitment to the student perspective. I'm committed to ensuring Massey remains an accessible, innovative university where every student can succeed, including myself; a high school dropout who’s the first in her family to attend university.
Indiana Metcalfe
In my educational journey thus far, I have experienced study from many perspectives: a school leaver, a mature student, a parent, a distance and on-campus student, and balancing work and study. I believe that effective representation means understanding these diverse perspectives and ensuring they are held at the heart of every decision.
Having studied in both creative and business disciplines, I have an appreciation of the unique demands of different academic environments. Having also studied at multiple institutions, I have seen different approaches to teaching, student support, and campus life.
These experiences allow me to identify opportunities for growth and consider how governance, support, learning environment, and financial decisions may affect the various cohorts across the University.
Outside of study, my career has equipped me with the necessary skills to implement betterment strategies, design educational programmes, manage budgets and strategic plans, and improve sustainability and wellbeing initiatives.
If elected, I will work to ensure Massey continues to evolve as a university that is innovative, financially strong, internationally respected, and, most importantly, understands its students.
Dallin Niuelua
Talofa lava, I’m Dallin Niuelua, an Executive MBA student. My Samoan and Cook Islands Māori heritage grounds me in service and collective responsibility, shaping how I listen and lead.
In 2020, as President of the Albany Students’ Association and sole student member of Massey’s Crisis Management Team, I saw decisions made under pressure become better informed when I brought their practical consequences for students into the discussion.
Over five years at Massey, I supported student voice and governance, including the Student Seat on Council. Working alongside Massey’s varied student communities taught me that no one perspective tells the whole story. I learned to find common ground while still recognising disagreement and noticing who may not yet have been heard. I now apply these skills when providing governance advice supporting Auckland’s Mayor and Governing Body.
If elected, I will bring everything I have learned as a student, student leader, and staff member into Council discussions. I will listen closely, think on my feet, test assumptions, and speak up when student realities are missing. I know from experience how to challenge constructively without losing sight of the wider responsibilities of Council. It would be a privilege to contribute this perspective to Council.
Paul Okoduga
My name is Paul Okoduga, and I am currently studying Master of Information Science. I am a respectful, approachable, and committed student leader with a passion for serving and representing the student community. During my Bachelor’s degree studies in the United Kingdom, I had the privilege of serving as President of the Nigerian Student Association, where I represented students and worked diligently to support their academic, social, and cultural experiences.
As President, I demonstrated leadership through collaboration, responsibility, and the development of new ideas that brought students together. I believe leadership requires listening, understanding different perspectives, and creating solutions that benefit the community. My experience strengthened my ability to work with people from cultures, manage responsibilities, and build relationships.
I am a team player who values integrity, inclusiveness, and open communication. If elected as the Student Member on the Massey University Council, I will bring my leadership experience and commitment to ensuring that student voices are heard and considered in university decision-making.
I am passionate about contributing to a university environment where students feel represented, supported, and empowered to succeed. I look forward to serving Massey students with dedication, respect, and responsibility.
Shaloom Sarfraz
I am a PhD student in Social Work at Massey University, researching the digital health experiences of migrant young people in Aotearoa New Zealand. As an International Student Ambassador, I work daily with students from around the world, supporting them through the challenges of transitioning into university life. I understand firsthand the diverse needs of our student body.
My academic journey spans Pakistan, Europe, and New Zealand and includes two Master's degrees in Social Work with distinction. I have published research, presented at international conferences, and received awards for academic excellence and community service. I am also a student member of ANZASW.
Beyond academia, I bring governance and youth leadership experience through the 18th Youth Parliament Pakistan, where I served on the Standing Committee on Youth Affairs, as an International Youth Change Maker (IYCM) Ambassador representing Pakistan, and as an international student mentor in Hungary.
I will remain at Massey for the full term, fully committed to this role. My governance background and understanding of diverse student needs will allow me to be a strong, evidence-informed voice for all students on Council. I would be honoured to represent students and make Massey better for everyone.