Here at the Waikato Students’ Union we provide a free Advocacy Service for students of Waikato University. We provide this independently of the University and put students’ interests first!

The Advocacy Service aims to help students with whatever concerns they wish to bring forward.

Students bring a range of problems to the Advocacy Service, such as: 

• Academic 
• Tenancy problems 
• Employment issues 
• Consumer issues 
• Financial 
• Personal 
• General matters

Our job is to: 

• Listen to students who have a problem they wish to discuss. 
• Help students clarify what action they wish to take. 
• Provide some guidance about society’s and university systems and services. 
• Explore with students other resources that may help. 
• Provide advocacy support appropriate to your needs!

Although we may have related skills – our advocates are: 

• NOT a counsellor or therapist 
• NOT a mediator, arbitrator or judge 
• NOT a lawyer or political lobbyist 
• NOT a decision-maker 
• NOT emotionally involved

How you can make an appointment with us:

You can ring the WSU Reception at (07) 856 9139, or you can phone University 0800 WAIKATO and ask to be put through to the WSU - a free call from any phone in New Zealand.

Hamilton students can also simply come in to WSU Reception (Student Union Building). An advocate is available most mornings and may be able to see you.

For Tauranga students, having phoned and left contact details at WSU Reception, the co-ordinator or a volunteer will call you back and discuss your concern by phone. When further support is needed, the Coordinator will either work with you face to face or by phone, or put you in touch with a local volunteer advocate or WSU Executive member who can assist you.

Advocacy Officer 

Name: Shannon Kelly
Email: advocacy@wsu.org.nz
Phone: 07 856 9139
Fax: 07 856 3161