NZDSA Executive Team 2026

Kia Ora Team, My name is Mason, and I am the Standing NZDSA President for 2026. 

In this role, my responsibility is to provide clear, decisive leadership for our student body across the three paths. I am committed to representing our collective interests with integrity, strengthening the systems that support us, and ensuring that the standards of our Faculty are upheld throughout the year. My focus is on stability, accountability, and delivering outcomes that genuinely benefit students.

The student body comes first, and I hold a deep belief in the role our students play in shaping the standards and culture of the Faculty. In my position, I will uphold our values, set clear expectations, and make decisions that protect the wellbeing and professionalism of every cohort. I will work as hard as I can to ensure that this year is upheld to the highest standard we can achieve in the current climate.

I would say I’m free for a chat, but that would be a lie. Nevertheless, I look forward to representing you all and contributing to a strong and successful year ahead.

Kia ora e te whānau,

My name is Karaitiana Clarkin, and I’m stoked to be your 2026 NZDSA Vice President! 

My role is mostly all the behind-the-scenes mahi, helping keep this amazing exec in line, sorting out memberships, running the uniform drive, and jumping in to help with events and whatever else needs doing throughout the year. At the end of the day, I’m here for you, the students of the Faculty of Dentistry, to help out wherever.

When I’m not at the faculty, I enjoy going to the gym, playing sports, gaming, eating, hanging out with mates, or just relaxing in bed.

I’m super keen to help make this year a great one for everyone. so keep an eye out for all the cool things we’ve got planned. Even though I might seem confident, I’ll be honest, I am probably more nervous than you are. If you see me around, come say hi! I would love a yarn, whether it’s about something serious or just to chat and hang out.

Ngā mihi nui 💙

Kia ora all, my name is Isabelle and I am the Auckland Representative for the Faculty of Dentistry. It is really exciting to have the opportunity to complete our final year at the Auckland facility, and having grown up in the North Island, I have enjoyed returning to the warmer weather  after some time in Dunedin. 

My role is to advocate for the Auckland cohort, ensure equal opportunities with Dunedin, and support events that strengthen connections between students, staff, and the wider dental community. This includes organising guest speakers and courses, coordinating the Auckland hike, planning social events such as the end-of-year dinner, and sharing student feedback with the faculty.

When I am not doing this or in the clinic, you will find me sitting in Auckland traffic, having a coffee, looking at photos of my cat or finding a good nature walk to do! 

I am the main point of contact for any student enquiries relating to the Auckland faculty, and aim to help shed light on this incredible facility for students considering Auckland in their final-year.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me via Facebook or by email at [email protected].

Hey I’m Shaqieq, and I’m the NZDSA BOH Rep for 2026.

My role involves representing BOH students within NZDSA, working closely with the exec team, and helping plan events and initiatives that support both our academic and social experience. I’m passionate about strengthening connections across all BOH years, making sure everyone feels included, supported, and heard. From creating useful survival guides to planning social events that give us a chance to relax and connect outside of uni, my goal is to help make the BOH journey more connected and enjoyable.

Outside of uni, you’ll usually find me studying at Central or the Health Sciences Library, grabbing a sweet treat with friends (often at Chatime), or shopping in town. I love watching sunsets, going on drives, trying new food spots, and chatting with friends. I’m always happy to have a chat or help where I can, so feel free to reach out, I’m really looking forward to representing BOH students and making this a great year for our cohort!

Kia ora! I’m Anthony and I’m the NZDSA Sports Representative for 2026. I’m originally from Auckland and started my studies at Otago in 2020. I have now completed a BBiomedSc and in my final year of BDS.

As the sports representative, I will be in charge of organising social sports, dent hike, dent ski trip, and various other activities throughout the year. 

In my free time, I like to hit the gym, go skiing, bouldering, watch MMA (UFC), get food, and hang out with my mates! 

I’m excited to get you all involved! Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions!

Kia ora! I’m Anthony and I’m the NZDSA Sports Representative for 2026. I’m originally from Auckland and started my studies at Otago in 2020. I have now completed a BBiomedSc and in my final year of BDS.

As the sports representative, I will be in charge of organising social sports, dent hike, dent ski trip, and various other activities throughout the year.

In my free time, I like to hit the gym, go skiing, bouldering, watch MMA (UFC), get food, and hang out with my mates!

I’m excited to get you all involved! Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions!

Kia Ora everyone! My name is Madeleine and I am excited to be the Social Rep for the NZDSA this year. My job involves organising lots of fun events throughout the year for everyone at the Faculty. These include  events such as the Wine and Cheese night, staff and student drinks, and other days throughout the year to give us all a chance to have fun and take a break from lectures and clinics! 

When I am not at the Dent School, you can find getting a coffee at Buster Greens, going for a stroll along St Kilda or at the gym. I love trying new food spots so reach out if you know any hidden gems in Dunedin! 

I would love for anyone to contact me if you have any questions, are feeling stressed or just want to have a chat. I know how stressful dental school can be sometimes and I am always here to lend an ear. Let’s make 2026 a great year!

Talofa Lava! My name is Josie and I’m the NZDSA Publication Rep for 2026!

I’m the person behind keeping you all in the loop with what’s happening in the world of dentistry. I look after NZDSA’s social’s, sharing event updates and important info (yes, including wine and cheese) so you never miss what’s coming up.

I also help put together Flossette, our dental school newsletter, where I share highlights and summaries of everything that’s gone on throughout the semester, as well as collating all the important moments in the yearbook. Basically, if it’s a moment worth sharing in dentistry, I’ll be there to capture it and keep you up to date.

I’m currently a second-year BOH student, hoping to pursue Dentistry as a postgrad. Feel free to say hi if you see me around the Dental School, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or ideas, I’m always happy to chat and looking forward to a great year with you all!