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VUW PGSA Executive
The VUW PGSA is managed by a Executive of up to 12 elected volunteer members of the VUW PGSA, including the President, 2 Vice Presidents and a Treasurer, as well as an ex-officio seat for a representative of Ngai Tauira, which representative has a vote on the Executive.
Executive members are guided in their roles by the PGSA Executive Manual and the job description relevant to their particular rôle.
The Standing Committee of the Executive consists of the President, both of the Vice Presidents, the Treasurer, and any other Executive member or members (including the representative of Ngai Tauira) that the Standing Committee has co-opted onto the Standing Committee for the duration of the relevant meeting.
The Executive is assisted by a Secretary whom it appoints, who is an officer of the association and who attends all meetings of the Executive and the Standing Committee, but who is not part of the Executive or the Standing Committee and who does not vote on either body.
President: Position Vacant - Voting for PGSA President will take place shortly!
Vice President of Events and Community Building: Vladislav Ilin
Vlad Ilin is the current Vice-President of the Graduate Student Association and a PhD candidate at Victoria University of Wellington. Vlad’s research explores the integration of AI scaffolding in Digital Game-Based Learning. With over a decade of software development experience and over seven years in lecturing and academic curriculum development, Vlad is dedicated to fostering a vibrant educational community. In his role with the Graduate Student Association, Vlad is committed to building a robust and inclusive community through events. His prior work includes curriculum development at institutions such as Birmingham City University, where he improved course formats based on student feedback, and at Bangkok University, where he revitalized underperforming courses to become among the most popular in the department. Vlad’s goal is to continue supporting the academic and social development of graduate students, ensuring a supportive environment for all through community events, professional development opportunities, and open channels for collaboration and feedback.
Vice President (Advocacy): Mariel Lettier
Originally from Uruguay, Mariel has lived in Edinburgh (Scotland) and Seville (Spain) while completing her masters'. She is currently a PhD candidate in Literary Translation, and her research aims to bring awareness to the lack of cultural representation in translated young adult literature and the need for more diversity in translation in general. While at VUW, Mariel has also worked as a Spanish tutor and is currently a Teaching Fellow. Moreover, over the last few months, she has worked as a student rep for the SLC, creating spaces and opportunities for the school's postgrads. Mariel is particularly interested in the international postgrad experience and wants to work towards comprehensive academic and social support for international students.
Treasurer: Miriam Arthur
Miriam Arthur is a Ghanaian PhD student in Accounting at the Pipitea campus. She believes that sound financial management is essential to ensuring continued university support for postgraduate activities. With experience in budgeting, financial reporting, and financial communication, Miriam is committed to the responsible and transparent management of PGSA’s funds. Her passion for community engagement, especially among international students, drives her service within PGSA, to ensure that postgraduate students’ interests are well represented and financially supported.
Executive Member: Akihiro Kotoh
Akihiro is a PhD candidate in Applied Linguistics at Victoria University of Wellington. His research aims to develop English learning and teaching materials through the analysis of large-scale language data. Prior to embarking on doctoral study, he spent seven years teaching English in Japanese secondary schools. He currently works as an English language tutor for the NZELTO Asia Programme at the English Language Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, supporting government officials. He also volunteers as an ESOL home tutor, offering personalised support to immigrant learners. In addition, he works as a research assistant in the School of Government to develop a research corpus. As an executive member and event leader for the PGSA, Akihiro plans and runs social events, negotiates with external vendors, and photographs events for the social media channels. His goal, as part of the event team, is to enhance the experience of postgraduate students at VUW and promote social interaction through events.
Executive Member: Dianita Asni Supriyanto
Dianita is a passionate advocate for libraries and lifelong learning. She holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree in Library Science and is currently pursuing a PhD in Records Management and Artificial Intelligence at Victoria University of Wellington. Originally from Indonesia, Dianita brings a rich international background, having lived, worked, and studied in Sheffield (UK), Yanbu (Saudi Arabia), and now Wellington, New Zealand. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Dianita is an avid photographer and content creator who enjoys sharing her travel adventures, the challenges of lifelong learning, and the joys of motherhood with her three children. By joining the PGSA, she hopes to broaden her network and contribute to creating an inclusive, supportive, and joyful environment where postgraduate students from diverse backgrounds can connect and thrive.
Executive Member: Maxwell Fobi Kontor
Maxwell is pursuing his PhD in urban planning. His research explores the confluence of urban informality and climate change in Africa, with an emphasis on examining the resilience of informal settlements to heat stress. Maxwell is particularly interested in tackling urban challenges through innovative planning and design strategies that promote inclusivity, social equity, and sustainable climate-resilient cities. With a strong professional background in urban planning and project management, Maxwell has extensive experience in stakeholder collaboration and strategic planning. Within the PGSA, he is committed to championing the diverse needs of postgraduate students and fostering an inclusive and supportive academic community.
Executive Member: Neenu Prakash
Neenu is a Master of Professional Business Analysis student. With over six years of experience in banking, teaching, and customer support, she brings a practical, people-focused perspective to postgraduate life. Her academic background includes a Master’s in Signal Processing and a Bachelor’s in Electronics and Communication Engineering. As an Executive Member of the PGSA, Neenu is passionate about fostering inclusive student experiences and supporting initiatives that promote community engagement and professional growth.
Executive Member: Muhammad Ramzan Sajid
I am doing my PhD Media Studies and have a master’s degree in mass communication and an M.Phil. in Government and Public Policy. Presently I am on leave from my position as Director Media at Senate (Parliament of Pakistan). With over 22 years of diverse experience in communications, public relations, public policy, governance, and information dissemination, I have had exposure of teaching at the undergraduate level and with professional training institutes. I have also worked on capacity building, programmes communication, and outreach assignments in the government sector. I am seeking opportunities to interact, learn and get exposure around professional expertise.
Executive Member: Twinkle Tse
Twinkle started her studies in New Zealand during her undergraduate (Honors) studies before becoming a full-time TESOL and English teacher in Hong Kong. Inspired by her students and her extensive experience in the education field, she’s now pursuing a Master’s in Educational Psychology at Victoria University of Wellington, focusing on collaborating with schools and mental health practitioners to foster care for students with special educational needs. She’s also worked with the Uni Crew to help welcome international undergraduate and postgraduate students to VIC. Twinkle hopes to create a stronger system for representation and support, advocating for the needs of postgraduate students and building a vibrant community.
Executive Member: Sarah Douglas
Sarah is currently a PhD candidate in Biotechnology at the Ferrier Research Institute, investigating fungal enzymes in indole diterpene biosynthesis. In here spare time she works as a tutor with the School of Biological Sciences and takes dance classes. With experience volunteering as a student representative in undergrad, she is hoping to bring her expertise and passion to building a vibrant and active postgraduate community, both in person and on social media.