Interview with Angela Fang | UOA Council Student Rep Candidate

University Council Student Rep Elections are on NOW! Vote here! Elections close at 12 pm on Tuesday, 14 October. Check out interviews with some of the other candidates on our website. More on the elections can be found here.

What are you studying at UOA? What’s been your most rewarding and most challenging paper, and what did you learn from each?

I'm in my third year of a Law and Arts degree, majoring in Politics and Criminology. My most rewarding paper was LAW 131. It was my first real immersion into the application of law to daily life, and it solidified my passion for justice and the power of law as a tool for creating a fairer society. My most challenging was ANCIENT 110. The volume of ancient literature to memorise and analyse was immense. It taught me incredible discipline in breaking down complex information and the importance of finding the human story within dense texts, a skill that translates directly to understanding lengthy Council reports.

Will you remain enrolled and available to serve the full two-year term?

Yes.

What should a University’s role be in providing for students' academic and cultural pursuits?

The University's role is to be a supportive enabler. This means providing not just funding, but also accessible spaces, resources, and institutional recognition for our diverse clubs, societies, and cultural groups. A thriving student life is essential to our academic success and sense of belonging.

Have you reviewed UOA’s 2026 CSSF budget? Are there any changes you would advocate for?

Yes, I have reviewed the proposed budget. While the allocations are important, I believe the process lacks transparency. I will advocate for a clearer, more accessible breakdown of how funds are distributed. Specifically, I will push for stronger, more stable funding for student media, which plays a vital role in holding the University accountable and informing the student body.

If elected, how will you stay visible, accessible, and responsive?

My plan is built on proactive, two-way communication:
I will hold informal sessions before each Council meeting to discuss the agenda and hear your direct feedback. For major issues, I will use online polls to gauge student opinion, ensuring my vote truly represents our collective voice. I will partner with student media outlets like Craccum and 95bFM to publish simple summaries of Council decisions and my voting record.

How do you stay up-to-date with everything that’s going on at the University?

I use a multi-pronged approach: I’m an active reader of official Uni news, but I also prioritise grassroots sources. I follow student media closely, engage with diverse club social media pages, and most importantly, I listen. Hosting the Breakfast Club and my other roles put me in direct, daily conversation with students from all faculties, giving me a real-time pulse on campus concerns.

Which University Council committee would you most want to follow closely?

The Finance and Capital Expenditure Committee. This is where critical decisions about our tuition fees and multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects are made. Students deserve to know how their financial contributions are being invested in the campus's future, and I will ensure that our priorities, like improving study spaces and student facilities, are heard at this fundamental level.

In 50 words or fewer, what makes you stand out?

I'm a fellow student who has felt the pressure of deadlines and the cost of living. My Chinese-Kiwi background and my proven record of building communities, from the skate park to the Students' Association, mean I understand and will fight for our diverse student body.