Welfare Advocacy

ASA is here to HELP

Welfare issues may also impact negatively on your academic performance. They may affect you:

Emotionally
Physically
Financially
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
Health issues - sickness, depression etc
Accommodation – tenancy issues, flatmate problems, housing quality

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 organisations that specialise in dealing with specific welfare issues outside of the student arena.

Ask ASA for help

Gather together any evidence you have relating to the issue (eg bills, email correspondence, quotes for repairs etc).
Request help below and click below book an appointment, we'll be in touch soon!

HARDSHIP FUND

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Emergency Financial Assistance Grant (Apply via Portal)

For certain extraordinary cases Massey University runs a Student Assistance Program (SAP) for students whose financial position is:

Unforeseen, and of a temporary nature; (this includes Covid-19 as well as other unforseen events)
Unusual or severe; and
Threatens your continued study at Massey University.

One-off grants can usually be approved up to a maximum of $500

Students can apply once per semester and will need to demonstrate a genuine hardship that is impairing their ability to meet basic living costs e.g. rent, food, power.

Hardship grants cannot be used to pay Massey course fees.

To be eligible for assistance, students must be in New Zealand. Here are further details and information on applying:

https://www.massey.ac.nz/student-life/services-and-support-for-students/hardship-and-emergency-support/emergency-financial-support-grant/

Minor Hardship/Food Grant

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 $150

You will need to provide proof of enrolment at Massey and bank statements for two weeks.

MHG/Food Grant Application

Applying for a Grant Summary

Apply for a SAP grant through your Student Portal (maximum of $500) -

https://www.massey.ac.nz/student-life/services-and-support-for-students/hardship-and-emergency-support/emergency-financial-support-grant/

Apply for a MHG/Food Grant (maximum of $150) through Te Tira Ahu Pae.

MHG/Food Grant Application

FLATTING AND TENANCY ADVICE

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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 commonsense 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.

Here are some links to check out:

ASA can help

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:

Colllate and be ready to provide any evidence you have relating to the issue (eg tenancy agreement, bills, photographs ).
Request help below to book an appointment.

If you need financial assistance in relation to your accommodation issue, you may qualify for assistsance from our hardship fund.

Request Help

SEXUAL ASSAULT SUPPORT

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Campus Consent Community

ASA is committed to the conscious creation of a Campus Consent Community.

We believe that informed, active, sober consent is mandatory for all sexual activity.

Our first initiative is getting students to come together to be part of our photographic essay.

Choose your message, contact us and we will take your photo.

Confused about what CONSENT actually means. Check out The Real Sex Talk video made by The Wireless.

The Real Sex Talk

HELP Auckland

If you or someone you love has been impacted by sexual abuse, Help Auckland want you to know that you can reach out to them at any time you need them.

Their service is free of charge.

Crisis support
- 24/7 HELPline
  - HELP responds to calls ranging from individuals in crisis to people seeking information, referrals or advice – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  - 24-hour Crisis HELPline 09 623 1700
- 24/7 Police and Medical Call-Out Service
  - HELP counsellors are called out, 24 hours a day, for those who have reported a sexual assault to the police and are going through the associated procedures.
  - They will support and advocate for survivors while they give their statement to the police and go through the medical examination
- Face-to-Face Interim Support
  - HELP can provide up to three support sessions to assess your needs and provide immediate support
- Referral to Other Services
  - HELP can direct you to counsellors and psychotherapists who are eligible for payment by ACC.
  - HELP can also refer you to other services that are best able to meet your cultural, or any other, needs.

New Zealand Police Support Videos

The videos take a step-by-step look at what happens when a person reports a sexual assault to Police and show what’s actually involved in the reporting process.

The videos highlight the vital working partnership NZ Police has with support agencies in the area of reporting sexual assault and that collaboration helps ensure victims get the emotional or medical support that they may need following a sexual assault.

There are ten videos in total, six covering the reporting process and four that focus on consent, myths about sexual violence and some of the reasons why people don’t report sexual assaults to Police.