VUWSA Election Candidate Interviews: Engagement Vice-President
The Engagement Vice-President leads VUWSA’s student-engagement work, working across clubs, campaigns and events to strengthen participation in campus life and connect students with the association. This year, Lewis Collins, Sophie Guerin and Akasha Sergeant are contesting the role. Salient asked each candidate questions tailored to the promises they have made during their campaigns, which you can read below.
Candidate: Akasha Sergeant
What would you do to make VUWSA more visible and relevant to students day-to-day?
I'd make VUWSA's support, advocacy, and events genuinely visible where students already are, not buried on a webpage. That means consistent, engaging content, face-to-face presence on campus, and working with clubs and reps so students see VUWSA in their everyday uni life, not just during elections. Visibility comes from showing up consistently, not one-off campaigns.
How would you engage students who don’t currently participate in clubs, events, or VUWSA?
I'd meet students where they are instead of waiting for them to come to us. Through civics education work with UN Youth and advocacy with Politics Society, I've learned that low participation usually means low awareness, not low interest. I'd focus on clear communication, informal face-to-face engagement, and lowering barriers to entry for clubs and events. Make VUWSA feel genuinely accessible to everyone.
Given VUWSA Exec members regularly have to vote without consulting every student, what does “every student feels heard” look like in practice?
It means consulting broadly where possible, being transparent about decisions when it isn't, and explaining the reasoning behind votes afterward. With my media and journalism experience, I'd prioritise regular, honest communication with clubs, reps, and students directly, and follow up after decisions so people clearly understand how and why they were made, and what happens next for them. Being heard means being genuinely informed and included, not just consulted once.
Candidate: Lewis Collins
Which of your campaign priorities would you tackle first as EVP, and why?
Expanding our VUWSA community pantry. Student poverty is real, and the cost of living crisis is hitting our tauira hard. Too many students are choosing between food, rent, and getting through the week. How are we expected to succeed in our degrees when we’re stretched this thin? I’ll take action to expand access to food, menstrual products and toiletries. A stronger and engaged student community means supported students! Hauora comes first.
How would you engage students who feel disconnected from VUWSA or university life?
VUWSA must engage disconnected students by supporting a university community students want to be part of. I’ll support clubs and cultural communities: whether that’s a Tararua tramp, shared kai, student theatre, kapa haka or a movie night with friends. My own wellbeing has benefited from student theatre (thank you Law Revue!) and cultural events (go try some chicken adobo!). I’ll back our community with continued action on fees-free, paid placements and renters’ rights.
How do you specifically plan to strengthen university support for Ngāi Tauira and the Pasifika Students’ Council, and what consultation have you done with these representative groups to inform that commitment?
I’ll push the university for stronger baseline funding for Ngāi Tauira and the Pasifika Students’ Council, while opening our VUWSA Trust to provide additional support. Both groups do incredible mahi with limited resources! I’ve met with Ngāi Tauira Tumuaki Takirua Mairangi and Apiha Mātauranga Shay, alongside Pasifika Students’ Council President Tau. I’ll keep listening to our communities and turn that kōrero into action, ensuring students are properly supported and Te Tiriti is honoured.
Candidate: Sophie Guerin
Of your three big goals, which would you prioritise first, and why?
My number one priority as EVP is diverse representation. I don’t believe engagement is possible unless it is proactively seeking to reach groups and people that slip through the gaps. While I also believe in VUWSA providing services that actively support student life, and providing opportunities and connection, none of that is possible without outreach first.
How would you strengthen representation for groups currently underrepresented in VUWSA?
One particular tool for strengthening representation at VUWSA is the Student Assembly. As a forum for representative groups, it allows for consultation, input, and accountability for VUWSA. Crucially, it also compensates members for participating, meaning effective representation can happen in a more equitable manner. I think Student Assembly needs to be better prioritised by VUWSA to ensure representation in a way that lessens the burden on those it seeks to consult with.
How will you balance your plans to expand campus facilities—such as produce markets, repair hubs, workshop spaces, and bulk bins—with VUWSA’s limited budget and the need to secure approval from the University and Property Services?
As Sustainability Officer this year I have already been in conversation with both the VUW Sustainability Team and Property Services about expanding campus services. Finding space at the university is an uphill battle, but one I intend to continue fighting if given the opportunity to do so. Regardless, I believe there is a path forward that has minimal cost to students by exploring options such as arranging student volunteers and collaborating with external groups.
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