Our People at Aquinas College
Aquinas staff are here to help
Aquinas College has several staff in place to provide a safe and comfortable physical environment. Staff are responsible for managing the community to build a supportive and friendly social environment.
Scott Walker, Head of College
Scott lives on site with his wife, Raewyn, and 3 children: Jake, Lily, and Charlotte. He has a wealth of experience in student accommodation services having previously worked at Massey and Victoria campuses.
Contact
Tel 64 3 479 5562
Fax 64 3 479 5561
Email scott.walker@otago.ac.nz
Steve Downey, Deputy Head of College
Steve lives on site with his wife, Laura and their baby boy, Levi. He comes from a background in youth work and IT, and is a sports fanatic. Steve organizes most of our events and manages all the Pastoral Care and Academic Support.
Steve operates an open door policy so residents can approach him whenever they need.
Contact
Tel 64 3 479 5563
Email steve.downey@otago.ac.nz
Tracey White, Office Manager
Tracey White is our Office Manager, and will help residents with any enquiries they may have.
From her 11 years experience in the role at Aquinas, she is the guru on all things financial and administrative in the College.
Her friendly face will be there to help residents with all their needs and greet you from Mondays to Fridays 9.00am - 3.00pm.
Contact
Tel 64 3 479 5560
Email tracey.white@otago.ac.nz
Pete Rush, Property Supervisor
Pete Rush has a wealth of experience in maintenance and possesses a great eye for detail. He works hard to keep the College in an excellent condition.
Contact
Tel 021 479 5561
Email pete.rush@otago.ac.nz
Joseph Hayde, Duty Manager
Joe works Wednesday to Saturday nights from 7.00pm - 5.00am.
He is primarily responsible for ensuring the pastoral care and safety of Aquinas College residents, whilst also assisting with any late night enquiries.
Joe worked a similar role at University College in Dunedin, and brings an extensive amount of knowledge to the Aquinas team.
Contact
Email joseph.hayde@otago.ac.nz
Brian Galvin, Kitchen Manager
Brian has been gracing us with his culinary skills since 2008. Married to Trish, with 2 children, Brian saw the light and moved to Aquinas after a stint at Cumberland College.
Brian goes the extra mile to ensure every student is happy and the food is delicious. Gluten Free? Vegetarian? Halal? Other dietary needs? No problem for Brian and his qualified team.
Contact
Tel 64 3 479 5569
Email brian.galvin@otago.ac.nz
Residential Assistants (RAs)
Aquinas RAs are more experienced students who live on site, one on each floor.
RAs are there to help students out with anything they may need: from directions to their lectures to giving advice during tough times.
Our RAs are trained to support you. They're an integral part of the community and help provide an enjoyable living and study environment. There is an RA on duty each night and at the weekend - so help is always at hand.
Meet our 2013 RAs
- Karla
Kumusta! My name is Karla and I come from the Philippines. My family and I moved to Auckland when I was 7, so I've been a Filipino-Kiwi for a while now =P I am currently studying a BSc in Biochemistry and a minor in Microbiology (you should do it too!).
I love waking up just for breakfast (especially the AQ muesli & yoghurt), anything with peanut butter, forcing people to watch random Youtube videos, exercising, studying (yes, I do!), music, watching movies, meeting new people, hanging out and anything really. I look forward to meeting all of you and the awesome year ahead of us!
- TA
Hey, my name is Tanyaradzwa aka T.A. and I'm originally from Zimbabwe. My New Zealand home is in Auckland (yeah I'm a JAFFA!) but Aquinas is definitely my home away from home. AQ was so awesome in 2012 that I've come back again in 2013 to hang out with you all! In 2013 I'll be in my 4th and final of a degree in Food Science.
I am passionately into a wide spectrum of sports, especially cricket and soccer. I love working with people, I'm very approachable and I'll be available to offer you all the support to make your year one to remember at Otago. Can't wait to meet you all!
- Cam
Hey guys my name is Cam and I'm from sunny Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty. I’m a relaxed guy with a real passion for sports (especially Tennis and Football) and music (love jammin out on my guitar). I will be in my final year of Physical Education in 2013 so I can't wait to meet all you "Phedders" and help you all out!
2013 will be my 3rd year at AQ, I was a fresher in 2010 and then came back as an RA in 2012 cos I loved the place so much. I’m looking forward to meeting all the cool 2013 residents and having a year to remember.
- Kristi
Hey guys! I'm a Kiwi-American, born in New Zealand, but lived in the USA for 8 years of my life. I'm from Darfield (near Christchurch) living on a dairy farm so am a bit of a country gal. Currently I'm doing a Biomedical degree in Functional Human Biology (Physiology) and am looking to apply for post-graduate entry into Medicine at the end of 2013.
I went to Carrington College in 2011 but couldn't resist the opportunity to come to AQ in 2012 as an RA...and I'm so stoked I did! Looking forward to meeting you all in 2013; it's going to be another epic year!
- Jess
Hi! I'm Jess. I was originally born in China and my family moved to NZ when I was 7, settling in Palmy then Auckland where I attended St Kents (woohoo!). I dabble in a bit of music, badminton, and photography. I've done quite a bit of badminton coaching so if any of you are keen to learn or play, then we will definitely hit up our AQ gym!
I moved down to Dunedin in 2011 for first year health science, I'm currently studying dentistry, and will be a third year in 2013. Please feel free to ask any questions regarding 1st year, the move down to Dunedin, or just to have a chat anytime. I look forward to meeting you all :)