When I agreed to Cam and Dan’s request to have a weekly column in Craccum I had hoped to – and yes, perhaps even fancied myself as someone who could – say something meaningful each week.
And yet, in the context of a global pandemic that has now rendered us homebound, I’ll be honest with you when I say I don’t know what writing something meaningful means. That’s what Cam and Dan’s editorials are for anyway.
So for me, it’s just a simple message. A message of thanks to those incredible people among us – our health care workers, our supermarket store workers and all those other essential workers – for doing what you’re doing, a message of reflection on how grateful I am to live in a country with a Government that has been proactive in dealing in this all-encompassing crisis and such devoted and competent public servants to guide us through this (Dr Ashley Bloomfield, you’re our hero) and a message of hope that we will get through this together.
And, because this is far more meaningful than anything I could ever say – a reminder that there is an incredible amount of support available, both here at AUSA, at our University and from a whole range of different organisations. Here’s just a few of them:
- Healthline – 0800 611 116 and 111 if you have a medical emergency
- AUSA Advocacy – senioradvocates@ausa.org.nz – your ‘go to’ source for help if you have any issues with the University.
- AUSA Hardship Grants – emergency funding to help you if you’ve faced financial hardship – http://www.ausa.org.nz/support/grants/hardship-grant-application/
- UoA Student Emergency Fund – the University’s dedicated hardship fund for students who have faced significant financial pressures from Covid-19 – https://uoa.custhelp.com/app/student-emergency-fund
- We Got You UoA – Covid-19 Student Response – our AUSA Facebook Group dedicated to bringing updates and building community while we’re in lockdown
- Studylink and WINZ – where you should be going to if you’ve experienced a loss of income and need to apply for the student allowance or other income support
- Citizens Advice Bureau – for helpful information about your rights as an employee and tenant
- University Health and Counselling Services – if you need to talk to a counsellor or want University-based medical support – call 0800 698 427
- Lifeline – if you need anyone to talk to, call Lifeline on 0800 534 354
- Updates and questions from the University – studentinfo@auckland.ac.nz or 0800 61 62 63.
And finally, please, I genuinely mean this – if there’s anything I can do, just flick an email through to president@ausa.org.nz.
Look after yourselves, download House Party, make those Tik Toks and reach out to who you need to among your mates (without bursting that bubble of course) for a yarn about anything. Stay safe whānau and lots of love.
