You couldn’t ask for friendlier faces than those you’ll see at OUSA Student Support! With a wealth of experience and knowledge, the team is ready for absolutely anything you have to throw at them. Feel free to just pop on in but you can email ahead and make an appointment if you wish.
Dwaine Tait – Student Support Manager
Dwaine is the Student Support Manager. He graduated from the University of Hawaii with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1997 and with his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology in 2002. Dwaine is a trained marriage and family therapist, multi-systemic therapist and has been working in the field of counseling, social work and education for the last 25 years, he recently returned home to New Zealand after living and working in the U.S. and Europe. When Dwaine isn’t in the office, you’ll find him wing-foiling on the water. Dwaine can be contacted on help@ousa.org.nz, 0800 12 10 23 or 03 777 3910.
Beth – Senior Student Support Advocate
Beth is our Senior Student Support Advocate. Beth is a registered Social Worker, and completed her social work degree at Otago University in 2012. Outside of life at Student Support, Beth dabbles in some sewing projects, making clothes and extra bits and bobs for the house, which she probably definitely doesn’t need, but they look really cool anyway. Beth can be contacted on help@ousa.org.nz, 0800 12 10 23 or 03 777 3910.
Tess – Student Support Advocate – Queer Focused
Tess is our Queer Focused Student Support Advocate. She graduated from Otago Polytechnic in 2017 with a Diploma in Social Services, Majoring in Counselling. Tess has been working with youth and students for a number of years in the Clutha District and has a background working and training in LGBTQIA+, addictions, grief, trauma, PTSD and other mental health contexts. In her free time, Tess enjoys PC gaming, appreciating nature and spending time with her dog.
Ulani – Student Support Advocate
Ulani is a registered Educational Psychologist. She completed her Master of Educational Psychology in 2019, and then went on to complete her Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology Practice in 2020. Ulani has experience working in various support roles across the education and disability sectors. Ulani can be contacted on help@ousa.org.nz, 0800 12 10 23 or 03 777 3910.
Hazel – Student Support Advocate
Hazel is one of the Student Support Advocates. She completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Otago. In her spare time she enjoys road trips, getting out in nature, going on tramps and exploring beaches of the Otago Region. Hazel can be contacted at help@ousa.org.nz, 0800 12 10 23 or 03 777 3910.
Leda – Student Support Administrator / Class Representative Coordinator
Leda is the Student Support Administrator and Class Representative Coordinator. Leda has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Otago. Outside of work she loves cooking, gardening, hikes and horse riding! Leda can be contacted on help@ousa.org.nz, 0800 12 10 23 or 03 777 3910.
Sophie – Education and Engagement Coordinator
Sophie is our Education and Engagement Coordinator, she helps get the word out on who Student Support is and how we can help with everything life throws at you! Sophie has a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Psychology and a GradDip in Primary Teaching. Outside of work she loves being outdoors, cooking for her household of boys and taking advantage of all Dunedin has to offer! Sophie can be contacted on help@ousa.org.nz, 0800 12 10 23 or 03 777 3910.
Joe – Are You Ok? Coordinator and Student Support Advocate
Joe is the Are You Ok? Coordinator, he leads a team of dedicated Are You Ok? volunteers that ensure the wellbeing and safety of students at events. Joe completed both his Bachelor and Masters degree as a student here at the University of Otago, giving him an appreciation and understanding of Dunedin’s vibrant student culture. He enjoys running, reading and going on casual walks in the evening. Joe can be contacted at help@ousa.org.nz, 0800 12 10 23 or 03 777 3910.