OUSA Extends its deepest sympathies to all those in Te Ika-a-Māui, impacted by cyclone Gabrielle.

There is a variety of support on offer for students impacted by the cyclone. OUSA is here to support you, and please reach out to our wonderful student support team, or OUSA the executive with any questions or concerns you may have.

Financial Support

For access to support for emergency costs, students can contact Studylink on 0800400100 to access civil defence payments, financial support for lost bedding and clothing, and to cover costs if you've been forced to leave your home.

The University of Otago also has the Pūtea Tautoko Student Relief Fund available for student from any of the 6 areas covered by the National State of Emergency, who experience significant financial hardship arising from the by the flooding and other cyclone-associated disruption in the upper North Island.

OUSA also has our emergency support fund available, for students in need of small, immediate support resulting from the cyclone.

Information about all of this can be found at the OUSA support hub. We recommend reaching out to studylink first, as if you have sought financial support elsewhere you are no longer eligible for studylink emergency grants. 

Arriving in Ōtepoti

If you're a first-year student in a residential college, and are looking like you're going to be delayed in arriving in Ōtepoti, please reach out and let your college know. They're here to provide support too!

Air New Zealand is putting on additional, and higher capacity flights to help those who have had disrupted travel plans. Reach out to Air New Zealand for more details. 

Late Enrollment fees will be waived for students whose arrival and commencement of study is delayed by the cyclone and its aftermath.

The University will also be providing flexibility as required for impacted to students to add/change/delete papers, make other course changes, complete course confirmation, and the like.

Our support team are also here if you need to talk, for all contact information, or to book an appointment check out the support hub. Any further questions, reach out to OUSA President Quintin Jane president@ousa.org.nz