Interview with Shakeel Shamaail | 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?

I am currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce (Management/Accounting) and a Bachelor of Laws!

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

Yes, I will. 

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

The University of Auckland should be a place where students grow both academically and culturally. It’s not just about earning a degree but about having the space to explore who we are, connect with others, and celebrate our cultures. Every student carries their own story, and the University should empower those stories to be heard and valued.

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

Yes I have. There should be more funding to our Media. 

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

If elected, I’ll make sure students see me as someone who is present, listening, and genuinely representing them. I’ll stay visible through regular drop-in sessions, faculty visits, and open communication online so students know their voices matter. It’s about being organised and ensuring what students say actually shapes decisions. We already have enough advocates; what we need now is an organiser who can truly mobilise student voices and turn collective concerns into coordinated action. Students should always be at the forefront of the discussions that Council has, not just given a 15-second timeslot and a pat on the back. I’ll make sure our voices are heard, respected, and acted on in every space where decisions are made.

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

Instagram and Social-media. I also read craccum every now and then. 

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

I’d want to follow the Finance Committee closely because it makes some of the biggest decisions that directly impact students, especially around fees and funding. I believe every student deserves transparency around where their money is going and how it’s being used to support their learning and wellbeing. I’m passionate about pushing for fairer, more accountable financial decisions so students aren’t left in the dark about how the University invests in them.

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

I’m uniquely me - driven by genuine passion for students, not personal gain. I bring experience, understanding, and heart to the table. I’m here to people-build, not CV-build, and I’ll always put students first in every decision and every conversation that affects us.