NZDSA Election Candidates 2019

Ruby Wills

Ruby Wills

Candidate - President

Why you?

I am someone who takes a very black and white approach to life, very simplistic, not a lot of fuss, which I know will work well for NZDSA Pres next year. I am not afraid to stick up for us students, and to keep my ground on what I know is right- which I have demonstrated in my previous roles as Class rep. I work incredibly hard and am very passionate, we will see results next year due to the work of the Exec, I guarantee.

What positive change would you bring?

The most important themes to tackle as President in 2020 would be: Communication with the Dental School leaders- whilst this has dramatically improved in the last couple of years, it still has some way to come, ensuring this continues in its improvement will be a priority, especially with the opening of the Auckland building. Welfare- everyone knows the dental school is tough on your mental wellbeing- having a welfare based focus for 2020, is something I am very passionate about- including hosting discussions and workshops on handling stress and work life, to enable us to get through our year, and prepare for our professional careers. My final big theme is preparing for the future- giving finals years information sessions on what to expect in the big world out there from the boring stuff like taxes, to the exciting prospect of getting your first jobs.

Jino Kunnethedam

Jino Kunnethedam

Candidate - President

 

Why you?

You want someone who’s relatable yet reliable and if I were to become president this is exactly what I’d be. I’d like to think of myself as someone who’s not too uptight and is easily approachable which means everyone can feel comfortable in telling me any concerns or ideas that they may have. Most importantly I’m a man of action so you know that those thoughts won’t go unheard and will actually be voiced and a change will come around as a result.

What positive change would you bring?

There’s already a few key aspects within the dental school that I’d like to change and these include reducing the wastage that we produce (especially unnecessary wastage such as the dreaded sim clinic banana suits) but I also want to look at creating more events that can bring together BOH, DTECH, and BDS.

Lizelle Borges

Lizelle Borges

Candidate - Vice President

Why you?

I’m willing to go above and beyond, and give nothing less than 200% to ensure all event tickets and merchandise provide value-for-money (#VFM). I’m friendly, efficient and organized and some might say admin comes inert within me. But at the end of the day, it’s all about making sure that your expectations are met, and my priority is helping you out to make your time at dent school better than it already is! I’m also always down for a yarn, whether you’re wanting to give any input on NZDSA, or just needing a friend to have a chat with.

What positive change would you bring?

I like to think big, and my vision is to establish new NZDSA partnerships and links. I’ll ensure to provide the best discounts from local businesses, but also look trans-Tasman. Ultimately reaching out to partnerships with the Australian Dental Students Association, hopefully providing us with resources like pod-casts from specialist talks in Australia. I’ll also ensure you get your say on Merchandise, so you can be proud to wear it. And finally, with the stressful nature of dent school, I’d like to implement a greater focus on student mental health.

Natasha Manuson

Natasha Manuson

Candidate - Vice President

Why you?

  • I have a strong belief in the Power of the Community. By involving the student community we can see positive changes in the faculty.
  • I have surmounted experience administrating a variety of OUSA affiliated clubs. With $1600 grant funds and 200 members; this includes the Otago Students’ Art Association as its founder and president.
  • I bring innovative ideas to the student body and always strive for improvements.
  • I’m always open to hearing new ideas and can convey ideas effectively by adapting my communication style for different people. I understand the importance of clear and effective especially when leading others.
  • Creativity and problem-solving skills are my strengths. I am pragmatic and can effectively gather feedback to provide innovative insight for a number of committees.
  • As the future vice president, I know the ins and outs of teaming up with local businesses, community groups and OUSA; liaising with both external sponsors and internal student volunteers to ensure that clear goals are completed on time and to a high standard for NZDSA.

What positive change would you bring?

  • Currently, our school is segregated: whether it is between inter-professions; or between the staff and students. I believe creating better opportunities for dental faculty students to interact with students from other professional departments, and the staff will build a positive atmosphere and collegiality.
  • Our student common room will not be completed until the end of 2021. I want to create a temporary common room as I believe that this will bring the people closer.
  • I will increase student leadership opportunities within the school, to give our students more ways to have a fulfilling time at university. These include: initiating common interest groups, bringing house leaders and advertising more volunteering opportunities.
  • Bringing a separate Welfare officer role to our Student Executive body is one of my goals. Starting the movement for improved awareness on mental health and wellbeing in the Dental school is vital.
  • I want to improve the communication channels and flow of information from class reps to the higher-ups, to create more efficient changes.
  • Maintaining equity for future Auckland satellite school students to have great learning opportunities will be one of my focused areas.
Natalie Hyland

Natalie Hyland

Candidate - Education and Welfare Rep

Why you?

I am approachable, hardworking, a dental technician and a BDS4 student! I understand multiple disciplines and have NZDSA experience (2014 DTEC rep). I know what is required of the exec and the work involved to advocate on your behalf. I have campaigned with class reps for better laboratory access, attended recent meetings regarding the new Auckland Dental School and have always shared DTEC and BDS notes when asked.

What positive change would you bring?
I want to work with you and hear what would improve your 2020 experience. I would plump up the onedrive and would like to introduce pre-clinic tutorials for BDS3, case tutorials and SIM related videos (damn that vending machine!). I would like to assist in communication between the Auckland rep/students and staff down here to ensure the teaching and education is at least equal to what students receive here. Welfare needs to be addressed, we are stressed and lost our free coffee & milos! I would like the exec 2020 to prioritise welfare, perhaps some movies or xbox comps in blue, courtyard BBQ, art classes and just some yin to the yang of stressful clinics.

Ben Guest

Ben Guest

Candidate - Education and Welfare Rep

Why you?

I’m entering 5th year so will have more time, experience and understanding of the school to better organize tutorials, student support, TBH and be active in meetings. I have a particular interest in student mental health; a focus that I want to bring to the role next year.

What positive change would you bring?

I see 2020 as a debut for NZDSA Wellness Week. This week would be focussed on raising awareness, and putting emphasis on supportive environments. It would include mental health drop in sessions, treat drops, guest speakers, study encouragement and more. Further student support could include catch ups with older students or tutors throughout the year where stress and questions are addressed and answered directly. I also want to add to the large amount of study material we already have, and continue student run tutorials.

Susie Kwon

Susie Kwon

Candidate - Education and Welfare Rep

Why you?

I want EVERY single body to smash EVERY single paper.

What positive change would you bring?

1) NZDSA Podcasts!

Learning on-the-go is a definite go in my books!

These podcasts will have guest speakers from each year-group/ lecturers/ dentists giving you the tricks of the trade:

  • What is the dent school in Auckland like? Is it worth the move?
  • SIM/PCE clinic hacks
  • What are employers looking for? How does job hunting work?
  • How should you structure your semester? What should you prioritise?
  • What the fork is Long Case? and how do you prepare for it?
  • What is a hospital job like compared to private practice?
  • and much much more baby!

2) Will push really hard for lecture podcasts!

 3) Past exam/test papers for everybody!

We all know that dent school is horrendous when it comes to recycling. That is, everything BUT exam questions. I have a plan on getting you past exam questions, but don’t want it published in the Flossette, just in case a lecturer reads this and shuts down my master plan >:).

Margaret-Rae Clark

Margaret-Rae Clark

Candidate - Social Rep

Why you?

Apart from the fact that I’m the only option you have… I have been a big fan of Dental School social events since my first mouthwash shot at meet the 2nd years. From Wine and Cheese to Dent Day Out, I’ve been an avid participant in all things social and always had good time (maybe some times too good) and I want to keep these events going from strength to strength for next year.

What positive change would you bring?

I love the work that Charlotte and Jenaya have put into our events the last few years and I want to keep the momentum up. I want to see more people coming along to social events, and not just Wine and Cheese! I’m talking about house BYOs, rugby matches, beer pong and staff & student drinks. I want to see more food, more drinks, and more pin-drops on the dance floor.

Caris Heiniger

Caris Heiniger

Candidate - Cultural Rep

Why you?

Being mixed race, culture has always been a big part of me, and I’ve always loved integrating myself into different cultures. I’ve also been a big fan of theatre, writing stories and coming up with skits from my younger awkward years and have had experience being in productions and taking part in the 48h film competitions, so would love to organise dent review next year.

What positive change would you bring?

I’m big on inclusion, so I’ll make sure that as many of you as possible are involved in dent review next year. Whether it’s through providing ideas, writing, filming, editing, acting, dancing, singing, being backstage or simply just being funny. Even if you’re shy, I’ll come scout you out because I know there are some hidden gems amongst you 😉 I’ve also got a few new cultural event ideas such as revamping cultural night with inter-house lip sync battles, and introducing international movie nights for the social calendar.

William Wallace

William Wallace

Candidate - Cultural Rep

Why you?

Being a part of the 2019 Dent Revue was awesome, and it left me inspired to steer the ship in producing another blinder next year! Having had that experience with previous stints in productions and musical performances over the years has left me well equipped to fill this position. P.S. That’s me in a school choir gown.

 What positive change would you bring?

I’m really keen to focus on showcasing the cultural diversity in our student cohort across the dent revue and cultural night whether that be dance, music, art or cuisine. Also, I think I would bring some valuable input and ideas to the exec itself.

Imelda Wilkes

Imelda Wilkes

Candidate - Ball Rep

Why you?

I really enjoy a good party and I’ve helped organise events before so I think I can make it a night to remember (or not).

What positive change would you bring?

Ensuring everyone has an equally as good or better time as this year

Jacques Glover

Jacques Glover

Candidate - Sports Rep

Why you?

I’ve always been involved in Sports throughout my time here – playing for the netball, rugby, futsal, basketball and volleyball teams – and I still think there is no better way to meet a few new people, make some friends and sweat out the frustration of your patient FTA-ing for the 3rd time in a row, than a bit of Social Sports. With those alongside some pretty cool tournaments, tramps and trips, I think I can organise a bit of distraction from those Dent School blues to keep everyone smiling!

What positive change would you bring?

More events!! Whether they be within the Dent school – between year groups or houses – or with other faculties. It’s a great way to get everyone out and about and stoke some friendly inter/intra-faculty rivalries!

Albertene Hefford

Albertene Hefford

Candidate - Publications Rep

Why you?

I think I would make a good publications representative because I can write well, I know my way around paintbrush and most importantly have my convinced my friend GD to come back again for another year of juicy gossip.

What positive change would you bring?

I love being a part of a team so as well as making sure Flossette is as educational and entertaining as ever I would also be excited to work collaboratively with my other exec members to make this one of the best NZDSA years yet!

Harry de Lautour

Harry de Lautour

Candidate - Publications Rep

Why you?

Simply put, the exec team needs a yin to their yang. My important input at meetings and collaboration for various poster/social media activities would help boost team performance by at least 68%. Plus, with the help of my secret unpaid team, you’ll receive a Flossette like never before (Cc: Reow).

 What positive change would you bring?

Larger posters, A3 or even A2. We are currently working on details, stay tuned.

Ashley Mason

Ashley Mason

Candidate - BOH Rep

Why you?
Nobody is more passionate than me when it comes to sticking up for BOH, as a degree and a career. I’ll fight for anything I think is a worthy cause. I’m not afraid to voice my opinions or stand up for injustices. HMU with your concerns.

What positive change would you bring?
Try to create and nurture an environment in the dent school that improves cohesion between the disciplines of DTECH, BDS and BOH. I’m all about those interdisciplinary friendships with potential future colleagues 😉

Cindy Liu

Cindy Liu

Candidate - BOH Rep

Why you?
I LOVE BOH and have done so, every since the first year of it! Prior to the year beginning, I managed to find out who the BOH exec member was (wee FBI job) and they offered a lot of support and guidance and I WANT TO BE THAT PERSON. I want to be someone that people can look up to, and someone that my peers aren’t afraid of to ask for help and advice.

What positive change would you bring?
I want to bring about big conclusive energy. I want to make sure that BOH students across all years feel included, wanted and cared about, by creating a support system throughout our programme where first year and second year students have a buddy they can look up to!

Harrison Young

Harrison Young

Candidate - DTech Rep

Why you?

I think that I would be a phenomenal executive because I am able to work well as a team and I believe that I would have a positive influence on the dental school.

What positive change would you bring?

If I were able to implement something positive, it would be to help reduce the carbon footprint made by the dental school from reducing the usage of plastic packaging to less material wastage in clinics and labs.

Sharon Simon

Sharon Simon

Candidate - DTech Rep

Why you?

Being the voice for my peers is definitely one of the aspirations I have always had. I want to be someone you are able to approach and share ideas with. Moreover, it will also give me the opportunity to make next year as amazing as this year, if not better. 😉

What positive changes would I bring?

I want to introduce a more social network between DTEC, BOH, and DENT as I feel we are currently quite disconnected.

Alistair Burnett

Alistair Burnett

Candidate - Auckland Rep

Why Me?
I am 100% committed to making the Auckland Clinic work as well as physically possible and will work with all parties associated with the clinic to ensure everyone next year, and all following years, have solid internal processes and the clinical opportunities to get the best experience possible for both the students, and the patients, that are in Auckland.

What positive changes would I bring?

As this a new position I won’t bring ‘change’, but I do bring a drive to make sure this clinic works as well as possible. I have already been working for a while to successfully to bring the students’ needs to the forefront of the set-up of the Auckland Clinic, and will make sure that everything that is needed to make the clinic a success is being done.