Independent Advocacy & Support Service

Independent Advocacy is a free service for all students

The Student Advocates are here to assist students facing difficulties inside and outside Ara that could affect their studies and their ability to achieve their academic goals.

Inside Ara, the Student Advocates can:

• Provide support with academic concerns,
• Provide training and support to student representatives,
• Provide support concerning relationship issues with either Ara staff or fellow students,
• Liaise with tutors or Head of Schools regarding concerns you may have,
• Inform students on Ara policies and procedures,
• Advocate for the rights of a student individually, classes or the entire student body.

Outside Ara, the Student Advocates can:

• Assist with problem solving,
• Provide advocacy and support with government and non-government agencies, e.g. StudyLink or Work and Income NZ,
• Support with everyday life issues,
• Support and referrals to address alcohol and drug issues, mental health issues, family violence, court proceedings, housing issues and counselling.

Privacy and confidentiality

All meetings between student advocates and students are confidential unless there are safety issues involved, or permission has been granted from the student.

All records are kept in a locked office in a secure building facility. All meetings between the student advocates and students are confidential unless there are safety issues involved or permission has been granted from the student.

The independent student advocates are employees of SANITI (Student Association of NMIT) to work for Ara students.

CONTACT US TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT