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2025 WSU BOARD CANDIDATES

VOTE FOR YOUR 2026 WSU BOARD

PRESIDENT

Seamus Lohrey

Affiliated with Nexus, Te Tohu Paetahi

Nominated by: Temepara Smith, Breanna Waka, Yasir Saifudeen

Te Tohu Paetahi and Bacehlor of Laws with a second major in PR (4th Year after doing TTP): Completion 2027  

Jericho Zipagan

Nominated by: Junxi Li, Paolo Dela Torre, Opemipo Oyindamola Akano

Studying a Bachelor of Health Majoring in Health Promotion 2nd year: Completion in 2028 

Ethan Walker

Affiliated with: WMSSA

Nominated by: Samuel Bennet, Jacob Lee, Zara Frasers

Studying a Bachelor of Business 3rd Year: Completion 2026 

Amira Stephenson

Affiliated with: Nexus, Waikato Psychology Students Association

Nominated by: Joanna Burn, Maarie Apanui-Barr, Jorja Griffiths

Studying a Bachelor of Arts 1st year: Completion in 2027

VICE-PRESIDENT MĀORI

Te Paea Parengaio Maurirere

Te Whakahiapo/Te Kāuru

Nominated by: Elina Pohatu-Tulia, Toby Brockelbank, Kaylee Tumahai

Studying a Bachelor of Arts – Majoring in Political Science, minoring in Māori & Indigenous studies + And a Bachelor of Laws (2nd year Arts, 1st year Law): Completion in 2028  

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (ACADEMIC)

Mariyam Ather

Affiliated with  Waikato Muslim Students’ Association 

Nominated by: Yasir Saifudeen Shemeena, Suhaa Afzer, Sana Ahmad

Studying a Bachelor of Social Sciences Majoring in Psychology 3rd Year (Honours in 2026): Completion in 2026 

Amira Stephenson

Affiliated with: Nexus, Waikato Psychology Students Association

Nominated by: Joanna Burn, Maarie Apanui-Barr, Jorja Griffiths

Studying a Bachelor of Arts 1st year: Completion in 2027

Rocio Chavez

Affiliated with: Waikato University Law Students Association 

Nominated by: Rachel Yang, Skyela Moore, Simrit Bajwa

Studying a Bachelor of Law  3rd Year: Completion 2026 

Ebenezer Paul

Nominated by: Vishva Sathish Kumar, Dinesh Kumar, Manoj Raj

Studying a Masters in Business and Management: Completion in 2026 

Kashfia Mehjabeen

Affiliated with: WBSA, WMSA

Nominated by: Sangeeta Choudhary, Ying (Isabella) Wang, Saniia Gomazenkova

Studying a Masters of Cyber Security 1st Year: Completion 2026 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (EXPERIENCE)

Amira Stephenson

Affiliated with: Nexus, Waikato Psychology Students Association

Nominated by: Joanna Burn, Maarie Apanui-Barr, Jorja Griffiths

Studying a Bachelor of Arts 1st year: Completion in 2027

Nishan Khanal

Nominated by: Kishor Pant, Nitin Kumar, Diviyant Jot Bhullar

Mora Sanders

Affiliated with Waikato Film Club

Nominated by: Georgia Martin, Emily Sewell, Juli Littlejohn 

Studying Anthropology along with Māori and Indigenous Studies 1st year: Completing in 2027 

Luke East

Nominated by: Ethan Cooke, Alia Scott, David Millar

Studying a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Social Sciences  (2nd year LLB, 3rd year BSocSc): Completion in 2028 

Since first studying at Waikato in 2022, I have been involved with a number of groups including Student Life, WULSA, Tramping Club, and TSCF 

Tsubaki Hamada

Nominated by: Ethan Walker, Indica Lyttle, M.R. Ballivian Ortiz

Studying a Bachelor of Arts 1st year Psychology Major Gender Minor: Completion in 2027 

Rocio Chavez

Affiliated with: Waikato University Law Students Association 

Nominated by: Rachel Yang, Skyela Moore, Simrit Bajwa

Studying a Bachelor of Law  3rd Year: Completion 2026 

Kashfia Mehjabeen

Affiliated with: WBSA, WMSA

Nominated by: Sangeeta Choudhary, Ying (Isabella) Wang, Saniia Gomazenkova

Studying a Masters of Cyber Security 1st Year: Completion 2026 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (PACIFIC)

Melerita McGaughey

Affiliated with: WUSSA

Nominated by: Maranita Wulf-Meafua, Josh Aho, Caroline Vaamainuu

Studying a Bachelor of Science, Majoring in Psychology, Minoring in Pacific & Indigenous Studies: Completion 2026 

Kathryn Omae

Affiliated with: PNGWSA

Nominated by: Laisa Teleni, Tavai Malaitia, Rosina Lava Nawau

Studying a Bachelor of Law  3rd Year: Completion 2026 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (TAURANGA)

Ashton Phelps

Nominated by: Shane Joy, Sarah Best, Jordan Nicholson

I’m in first semester/ first year I am studying Marketing major, minor psychology: Completion  in 2028 

Olivia Boyd

Affiliated with Waikato Psychology Students’ Association Tauranga

Nominated by: Travis Nelson, Michael Watson, Jayden Cantwell

Psychology 

Finishing undergraduate at the end of 2026 but intending to pursue postgraduate study  

Navjeet Singh

Nominated by: Marshal Sherchan, Harmaan Kaur, Xadrian Miller  

Studying a Bachelor of Sport and Human Performance 2nd year: Completion in 2026 

Seamus Lohrey

Nominated by: Temepara Smith, Breanna Waka, Yasir Saifudeen

Jericho Zipagan

Nominated by: Junxi Li, Paolo Dela Torre, Opemipo Oyindamola Akano

Ethan Walker

Nominated by: Samuel Bennet, Jacob Lee, Zara Frasers

Amira Stephenson

Nexus

Nominated by: Joanna Burn, Maarie Apanui-Barr, Jorja Griffiths

Mariyam Ather

Nominated by: Yasir Saifudeen Shemeena, Suhaa Afzer, Sana Ahmad

Te Paea Parengaio Maurirere

Te Whakahiapo/Te Kāuru

Nominated by: Elina Pohatu-Tulia, Toby Brockelbank, Kaylee Tumahai

Mariyam Ather

Nominated by: Yasir Saifudeen Shemeena, Suhaa Afzer, Sana Ahmad

 

Amira Stephenson

Affiliated with: Nexus, Waikato Psychology Students Association

Nominated by: Joanna Burn, Maarie Apanui-Barr, Jorja Griffiths

 

Rocio Chavez

Nominated by: Rachel Yang, Skyela Moore, Simrit Bajwa

Also running for: Executive Director (Experience)

Ebenezer Paul

Nominated by: Vishva Sathish Kumar, Dinesh Kumar, Manoj Raj

Kashfia Mehjabeen

Nominated by: Sangeeta Choudhary, Ying (Isabella) Wang, Saniia Gomazenkova

Amira Stephenson

Nexus

Nominated by: Joanna Burn, Maarie Apanui-Barr, Jorja Griffiths

Nishan Khanal

Nominated by: Kishor Pant, Nitin Kumar, Diviyant Jot Bhullar

Mora Sanders

Nominated by: Georgia Martin, Emily Sewell, Juli Littlejohn  

Luke East

Nominated by: Ethan Cooke, Alia Scott, David Millar

Tsubaki Hamada

Nominated by: Ethan Walker, Indica Lyttle, M.R. Ballivian Ortiz

Rocio Chavez

Nominated by: Rachel Yang, Skyela Moore, Simrit Bajwa

Kashfia Mehjabeen

Nominated by: Sangeeta Choudhary, Ying (Isabella) Wang, Saniia Gomazenkova

Melerita McGaughey

WUSSA

Nominated by: Maranita Wulf-Meafua, Josh Aho, Caroline Vaamainuu

Kathryn Omae

PNGWSA

Nominated by: Laisa Teleni, Tavai Malaitia, Rosina Lava Nawau

Ashton Phelps

Nominated by: Shane Joy, Sarah Best, Jordan Nicholson

Olivia Boyd

WPSA Tauranga

Nominated by: Travis Nelson, Michael Watson, Jayden Cantwell

Navjeet Singh

Nominated by: Marshal Sherchan, Harmaan Kaur, Xadrian Miller  

Seamus Lohrey

Affiliated with: Nexus, Te Tohu Paetahi

Nominated by: Temepara Smith, Breanna Waka, Yasir Saifudeen

Te Tohu Paetahi and Bacehlor of Laws with a second major in PR (4th Year after doing TTP): Completion 2027 

He mihi maioha, he mihi mahana, he mihi aroha ki a koutou katoa. I don’t have much word room here, so let’s get straight to it. First of all, what other candidate can say they’ve been explicitly endorsed by the current WSU President, the Vice President Māori, and the President of the current Supreme Club of the Year (shout out WMSA!)? Secondly, no other candidate can claim they are currently the Vice President of the WSU. But even if you set all that aside, I’m still just Seamus. You’ve known me and trusted me this far. I’ve been an Editor of Nexus, a General Director of the WSU, and now VP. I’m ready to take the final step up to President. I’ve put in the mahi on accessibility across campus, on hauora and wellbeing, and on standing up for our union at a national level. Most importantly, I know what it’s like to be a student, and a struggling one at that. Right now, our union is at a crossroads: a new board structure, new staff, and a new direction forward. Vote for someone with the experience and track record to see it through. Mau tātou, e te iwi, ki te manawa tītī! Mau ki te manawa whenua! 
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Jericho Zipagan

Nominated by: Junxi Li, Paolo Dela Torre, Opemipo Oyindamola Akano

Studying a Bachelor of Health Majoring in Health Promotion 2nd year: Completion in 2028
Our university is full of potential and I want to help to not only unlock it, but also improve it. I’m running for President to advocate for students, improve everyone’s experience on campus, and raise our academic outcomes and pass rates. Every student deserves the chance to thrive; whether that’s through better support, stronger representation or creating a culture where success is shared. And every student deserves to study in an amazing university in every way, shape or form. Together, we can make this a better place to learn and grow. As I said, our campus has so much potential and I’m running for President to deliver changes that lift our wellbeing, and our pass rates, not only to help students pass more and fail less but to reduce stress. I’ll push for all past exam papers to be available online because as you can see, they’re oftentimes unavailable, create part time jobs involving people (student or not) helping each other with study and assessments, and campaign for more affordable and cheaper essentials like food, gym access, and parking. I hope to see more foodcourts, restaurants and cafes, cheaper food, cheaper gym prices, more parking (and cheaper too) and more. Imagine a university with better study support, cheaper living costs, and more vibrant places to eat and connect. That’s the vision I’ll bring to WSU leadership.

Ethan Walker

Affiliated with: WMSSA – Waikato Management School Students’ Association

Nominated by: Samuel Bennet, Jacob Lee, Zara Frasers

Studying a Bachelor of Buisness 3rd year: Completion 2026
I have been President for the Management Communication Students’ Association (MCSA), currently President for the Waikato Management School Students’ Association (WMSSA), and current Director on the WSU Board 2025. I am hoping to use this role to progress my desire to action the University of Waikato slogan of ‘Ko Te Tangata’ ‘For The People’ as life is all about aroha (love) and te tangata (the people).
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Amira Stephenson

Affiliated with: Nexus, Waikato Psychology Students Association

Nominated by: Joanna Burn, Maarie Apanui-Barr, Jorja Griffiths

Studying a Bachelor of Arts 1st year: Completion in 2027
Kia Ora, my name is Amira Stephenson and I would like to be your WSU student board president for 2026. I am interested in creating effective change that benefits students and improves their experience here at the University of Waikato. If elected, I promise to work consistently to take on board all feedback and implement it as soon as possible, including things such as continuing to improve the current parking situation on campus. Hearing your voices is the most important thing to me so I promise you that I will be available and 100% approachable to discuss any questions or concerns that you have. I also aim to find other ways to make University comfortable and enjoyable for each and every student, whether that’s through creating more study spaces and seating areas, or improving accessibility to places and events. Remember to vote for Amira: for results, for students, for you. 
 
Also running for: Executive Director (Experience), Executive Director (Academic)
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Te Paea Parengaio Maurirere

Affiliated with: Te Whakahiapo/Te Kāuru

Nominated by: Elina Pohatu-Tulia, Toby Brockelbank, Kaylee Tumahai

Bachelor of Arts – Majoring in Political Science, minoring in Māori & Indigenous studies + And a Bachelor of Laws (2nd year Arts, 1st year Law): Completion in 2028 

Kei ngā reo me ngā mana o te motu, ko Te Paea Parengaio Maurirere tōku ingoa, and I am running for VP Māori 2026. Why vote for me? because I’m here for tauira Māori, for our voices, our spaces, and our mana.

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Mariyam Ather

Affiliated with: Waikato Muslim Students’ Association 

Nominated by: Yasir Saifudeen Shemeena, Suhaa Afzer, Sana Ahmad

Studying a Bachelor of Social Sciences Majoring in Psychology 3rd Year (Honours in 2026): Completion in 2026 

Vote Mariyam for Academic Success Director! I’m running because I believe every student deserves a strong voice at the table. With experience in leadership, public-speaking, interacting with students on a daily, social media marketing, and so much more, I’ll use my skills and experiences to make sure your voices are heard. Let’s make things happen!!
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Rocio Chavez

Affiliated with: Waikato University Law Students Association

Nominated by: Rachel Yang, Skyela Moore, Simrit Bajwa

Studying a Bachelor of Law 3rd year: Completion 2026

Hola! My name is Rocio Chavez, and I am running for Executive Director of Academic Success and
Executive Director for Student Experience. I am a passionate and driven student who is dedicated to serving my peers with integrity and purpose. My commitment is to help others succeed and make sure that every student feels welcomed and included. If elected, I will ensure to listen to students and represent their interests effectively as well as advocate for opportunities and resources that help all students succeed.

Ebenezer Paul

Nominated by: Vishva Sathish Kumar, Dinesh Kumar, Manoj Raj

Studying a Masters in Business and Management: Completion in 2026 

Vote for Ebenezer Paul as Executive Director – Academic Success. Dedicated to making every student’s journey smoother, stronger, and more successful!
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Kashfia Mehjabeen

Affiliated with WBSA, WMSA

Nominated by: Sangeeta Choudhary, Ying (Isabella) Wang, Saniia Gomazenkova

Studying a Masters in Cyber Security 1st year: Completion 2026
Brains, Balance, Bliss! Why choose between learning and enjoying life? I’ll champion fair workloads, smart scheduling, and support so every student has time to shine inside and outside the classroom.
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Nishan Khanal

Nominated by: Kishor Pant, Nitin Kumar, Diviyant Jot Bhullar

Mora Sanders

Affiliated with: Waikato Film Club

Nominated by: Georgia Martin, Emily Sewell, Juli Littlejohn  

Studying Anthropology along with Māori and Indigenous Studies 1st year: Completing in 2027 

If you want to make your voice heard, then I’m the candidate for you! With three years of community work and two years of coordinating events, I’ve built a track record of listening, organizing, and delivering. As Executive Director of Student Experience, it will be my goal and priority to ensure that your voice does not get dismissed. I’ll work to fix any accessibility issues, collaborate with clubs to secure funding, and ensure your feedback shapes future events. I understand that this job requires hearing from diverse perspectives, and I’m committed to giving every voice equal weight so the changes you want are changes that are made. A vote for me is a vote towards a better campus, and one that reflects you.

Luke East

Since first studying at Waikato in 2022, I have been involved with a number of groups including Student Life, WULSA, Tramping Club, and TSCF 

Nominated by: Ethan Cooke, Alia Scott, David Millar

Studying a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Social Sciences  (2nd year LLB, 3rd year BSocSc): Completion in 2028 

WSU has been bringing the atmosphere to campus for decades, but it’s gotten harder in recent years. I want to be part of the team that brings the magic back and creates a university that feels like home and listens to you.
 
I’m not afraid to give up my time to support our community (I’m President of a local theatre, and have volunteered since my teens), or stand my ground and take on difficult issues (in 2019 I successfully petitioned Parliament to provide better support for disabled people).
 
My experience, energy, and ideas will help Waikato move forward. With your support I’ll fight the price of campus parking, call for greater accountability and sustainability, advocate for more buses to the clubs (not just for O-Week) so more of us can get home safely, and push for better services and facilities, and work to bring more events to our campuses.
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Tsubaki Hamada

Nominated by: Ethan Walker, Indica Lyttle, M.R. Ballivian Ortiz

Studying a Bachelor of Arts 1st year Psychology Major Gender Minor: Completion 2027

Hello, I’m Tsubaki Hamada (Tia), and I’m running for Executive Director Student Experience.

Especially as an international student, I know how important it is to feel seen, supported, and truly part of a community.
Many students don’t know what WSU really offers — I want to be the bridge that connects you to the support, events, and opportunities available.
If elected, I’ll work to make events more fun, inclusive, and shaped by your ideas — so that every student feels welcomed and valued.
I’ll also listen to your voices and work with the university to improve things where needed. My goal is to create a space where everyone feels accepted, celebrated, and connected.
Let’s make student life better together.
Vote Tsubaki Hamada (Tia) for Executive Director Student Experience!
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Melerita McGaughey

Affiliated with: WUSSA

Nominated by: Maranita Wulf-Meafua, Josh Aho, Caroline Vaamainuu

Studying a Bachelor of Science, Majoring in Psychology, Minoring in Pacific & Indigenous Studies: Completion 2026 

I want to be the voice the Pasifika students on the WSU Board, making sure our stories, struggle, and successes are seen and remembered for those that are and those that come after.
 
The labour and relentless effort that our pacific directors have done, inspire me, and I hope to honour their legacy while paving a way for my own journey as a leader and a retainer.
 
For me, this is about giving back, about returning the love that was given to me ten-fold, its about being the helping hand that once held me up, to elevate the Pasifika students to their full potential. With love for my culture, deep gratitude, and the strength of our community, I’m ready to be a retainer for all of you, and I will give my utmost to build, improve and direct, Taku malohi mo taku fatu mo te Pasifika.
Ehara taku toa I te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.
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Kathryn Omae

PNGWSA

Nominated by: Laisa Teleni, Tavai Malaitia, Rosina Lava Nawau

“Being the Executive Pacific Director would allow me to serve and be there for my Pacific Peoples and others. As we embark on this academic journey away from our home countries and for those who reside in New Zealand it is a gateway to learning and maintaining the essential parts of our identity. Our culture, values and traditions allow us to represent our families, communities and ancestors by just being present in this University. To flourish and reach our academic goals we need an environment with a support system that will allow us to do so. I aim to do this  by creating that environment. By working together in navigating through the different aspects of University life, being a voice that represents their concerns, queries and curiosities and, to create spaces that one may grow and accept various learning opportunities. Most importantly our cultures are wrapped around the essence of spirituality, respect and unity. I aim to lead and  allow each sub-region (Melanesian, Micronesian and Polynesian) to be equally heard and represented. As well as acknowledging other cultures and people that may want to engage with our Pacific Community.”

Ashton Phelps

Nominated by: Shane Joy, Sarah Best, Jordan Nicholson

I’m in first semester/ first year I am studying Marketing major, minor psychology: Completion  in 2028

Kia ora, my name is Ashton, I’m 22 years old, and I am honoured to be running for a position on the District Board here at Waikato University in Tauranga. I am passionate about people, community, and creating spaces where every student feels heard and valued. My faith in Jesus is the foundation of who I am, shaping the way I serve others with integrity, humility, and vision. I am actively involved in church and wider community initiatives, and I believe that strong, supportive communities make all the difference in student life. At university, I’ve had the privilege of leading within the Uni Club Collective Uni, where I’ve seen first-hand the power of student-led initiatives in building connection and belonging. Outside of leadership, I love sports—especially basketball and pool—which have taught me the importance of teamwork, resilience, and focus. If elected, I want to ensure students have a stronger voice in shaping their university experience. Together, we can build a culture where every student feels represented, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Olivia Boyd

Affiliated with: WPSA Tauranga

Nominated by: Travis Nelson, Michael Watson, Jayden Cantwell

Studying Psychology: Finishing undergraduate at the end of 2026 but intending to pursue postgraduate study 

I’m Olivia Boyd and I’m running for Tauranga Board Director 2026. I’m currently in my second year of studying psychology.
I’m passionate about seeing Tauranga students succeed. I co-founded and am currently the president of WPSA Tauranga, and was motivated to start this club to improve opportunities and outcomes for Tauranga students. I have represented students as a class rep in several papers, have leadership experience on various committees and teams, and have been an advocate in the charitable sector.
Our voices at the Tauranga campus are important to have represented effectively to the WSU Board. It would be a privilege to represent your voice! Vote for experienced, positive and strong leadership – Olivia Boyd.
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Navjeet Singh

Nominated by: Marshal Sherchan, Harmaan Kaur, Xadrian Miller  

Studying a Bachelor of Sport and Human Performance 2nd year: Completion in 2026 

My name is Navjeet Singh (Nav), and I’m currently in my second year studying a Bachelor of Sport and Human Performance, majoring in Human Performance Science, based at the Tauranga campus. I’m standing for the role of Executive Director for Tauranga Moana – because I believe in creating a stronger, more inclusive University of Waikato community. My Vision: I’m committed to making a real difference by focusing on: Enhanced wellbeing support for all students Stronger cultural engagement and inclusion across the campus Increased access to course materials and academic opportunities at the Tauranga campus Drop-in accessibility services for Tauranga students with impairments More professors and academic staff visiting Tauranga, so students have better face-to-face learning and support Whether it’s by email or in person, I will always be approachable, open, and here to listen. Your concerns and ideas will be at the heart of my leadership — no matter your background, identity, or campus. Let’s come together and build a community that thrives on support, connection, and Mana. It would be a privilege to have your support. Feel free to reach out at [email protected] – I’d love to hear from you! Ngã mihi nui, Nav Singh

Amira Stephenson

Affiliated with: Nexus, Waikato Psychology Students Association

Nominated by: Joanna Burn, Maarie Apanui-Barr, Jorja Griffiths

Studying a Bachelor of Arts 1st year: Completion in 2027

Kia Ora, my name is Amira Stephenson, and I would like to be your executive director for Academic success in 2026. If elected for this role, I will effectively communicate with all course reps to check in and ensure their feedback is being properly received and if possible implemented by teachers to improve learning outcomes. I am always more than happy to be approached if anyone has any questions or needs help with finding support for their learning and will prioritise supporting students’ learning and their academic journey. Accessibility and equitable outcomes are another priority of mine and I will support all students in advocating for the learning opportunities that they need. Remember, vote for Amira: for academic success, for students, for you.  

 
Also running for: President, Executive Director (Experience)
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Amira Stephenson

Affiliated with: Nexus, Waikato Psychology Students Association

Nominated by: Joanna Burn, Maarie Apanui-Barr, Jorja Griffiths

Studying a Bachelor of Arts 1st year: Completion in 2027
Kia Ora, my name is Amira Stephenson and I would like to be your executive director for Student Experience in 2026. My aim if elected is to focus on creating a wide range of enjoyable events that are accessible for every student and member of the University. Effective communication about all WSU events will be a priority, I will ensure everyone is made aware with enough notice to plan ahead and will provide an opportunity to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about an event. I hope to provide opportunities for students to submit their feedback on events and provide input on what they want to see. My prior experience includes being Arts Captain at my high school, in which I learnt the skills for planning and organising exciting events. Remember to vote for Amira: for ultimate experiences, for students, for you. 
 
Also running for: President, Executive Director (Academic)
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