Welfare Advocacy
Welfare issues are those which affect your wellbeing as a student and may also impact negatively on your academic performance. They may affect you emotionally, physically, financially or mentally. Common welfare issues include:
Money - Not being able to afford food, water, transport, course materials etc.
Harassment - From family, friends, peers or even university staff
Accommodation - Tenancy issues, flatmate problems, housing quality
Other Issues
Prevention is of course the best solution for these problems so act early! Take good care of yourself and come to us for advice and support before things get out of hand. We can also refer you to other university services or outside organisations that specialise in dealing with specific welfare issues outside of the student arena. Click below to book an appointment, we'll be in touch soon!
Hardship Grants
Emergency Financial Support Grant (apply via Scholarship tab in Portal)
For certain extraordinary cases Massey University offers the Emergency Financial Support grant for students whose financial hardship is:
Urgent and unforeseen,
Due to a temporary change in circumstances; and
Threatens their continued study at Massey University.
Students can apply once per semester for up to $500 (with a maximum of $800 per 12 month period).
Hardship grants cannot be used to pay course fees, course related costs, placement costs or credit card debt.
We know that for many students things are really tough going at the moment and so if you have a temporary need, we may be able to help you out with a Minor Hardship Grant (MHG)
You can apply for a MHG grant once per semester up to a maximum amount of $100.
You will need to provide proof of enrolment at Massey University.
Minor Hardship/Food Grant
Flatting & Tenancy Advice
Where and how you live is extremely important.
You might be living away from home for the first time which can be a steep learning curve; there are pitfalls and problems associated with accommodation that can become stressful and financially draining should something go wrong.
The good news is that many accommodation issues can be prevented by some sound and common-sense preparedness.
The Tenancy services website is packed with all sorts of advice, videos, and templates that you can use for establishing a flatting or tenancy agreement. Understanding the differences between being a tenant and being a flatmate and whether you have a fixed term or periodic rental agreement is key to making sure you get the accommodation that will suit your circumstances.
If you find yourself with a flatting problem that is affecting your study, we can help you negotiate your way through your problems.
Before you come along to meet us:
Collate and be ready to provide any evidence you have relating to the issue (e.g., tenancy agreement, bills, photographs).
Request help below to book an appointment.
Moving into your first flat or having problems with your current living situation? This seminar is for you! Our Advocacy team will show you what to look out for when signing up for a flat, your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, and what to do if things go wrong.
Please watch this recording of our Advocacy team’s online seminar, and get in touch with our team if you have any further questions.
Tenancy Seminar
Consent & Sexual Harm
We understand it takes a lot of courage to come forward about your experience of Sexual Harm. There are many people who are here to support you, including our Advocates.
Our Advocates
Our Advocates are here to listen to you, support you and help you understand where you go from here. You can get in touch with our Advocacy Team.
Student Health and Counselling
Student Health and Counselling provide health care and counselling support for students who are survivors of sexual violence.
Click here to make an appointment with a counsellor.
Safe to Talk Sexual Harm Helpline
https://safetotalk.nz/ or call 0800 044 334