Staff at Arana
Deputy Warden
Patrick Chong is our Deputy Warden. Patrick leads the Sub-Warden team and as well leads the provision of tutorials. As well as teaching some classes himself Patrick ensures that Arana has the best tutorials possible and that the programme is flexible for residents. Patrick is involved in all other aspects of College life and assists other University Departments in a variety of tasks.
Assistant Warden
Kirsten Bamford is our Assistant Warden. Kirsten is from South Otago and has completed an honours degree in Economics and Tourism as well as a Masters Degree in Tourism, all at Otago University. Kirsten lived at Arana as an undergraduate and has also held roles as a Sub Warden and Senior Sub Warden as well as being employed as a University Tutor.
Kirsten has a variety of interests including netball ,rugby, swimming, diving, sewing and quilting. Recently employed in a business mentoring organisation Kirsten is very much looking forward to her new position at Arana. Kirsten will commence employment in early late January 2013 and she will “live –In “. Kirsten will actively involved in the Arana learning support programme and will have a direct leadership role with the Arana Sub Warden team.
Sub Wardens
Sub Wardens are important members of staff. They provide a quality welfare service and can supply general information and answer queries outside office hours. Each floor or house has a Sub Warden, who is a senior student employed by the University to work with residents. Plan to get to know your Sub Warden and utilise this helpful, friendly person. They are the Arana College staff member that you will have the most contact with. Sub Wardens are also knowledgeable about campus agencies and the services these agencies can provide to students.
Your Sub Warden will be able to assist you with any questions or concerns that you may have. The Sub Wardens and residents are responsible for helping to create an atmosphere conducive to study and general enjoyment of College life.
The Sub Wardens are there to help you learn how to live responsibly with other individuals. They are responsible for confronting you when your behaviour breaches University of Otago and/or Arana College rules and regulations. They also have the job of being a friend and a disciplinarian who is willing to take time off their own studies to be of service to you.
Your Sub Wardens recognize that they cannot make Arana College a good place to live without your help. When they need your cooperation, they will ask you for it and you will be expected to respond to their requests. Most importantly, the Sub Wardens are interested in you and want your College experience to be a positive one. They are supportive of your personal growth and success in the University community.
Finance and Administration Manager
The scene of considerable activity at Arana is the Administration Office, located next to the Warden’s office, behind the dining room. Here you will meet Jane Dawson, our Finance & Administration Manager, you can make an appointment with Jane or one of the Finance / Administration Assistants to see the Warden and they can help you find the right staff member to help you with any problems you may have while living in Arana.
Reception is found at the main entrance on Clyde Street where you will meet Lynley Bailey, Susan Nicholson and Fiona Russell. It is an excellent place to gain information about things that are happening in the College. It is also where you can make all your payments for College accounts, get new keys if you lose yours, and check for parcels and items of registered post. You will also find the sub-wardens and security guards here after hours.
The Finance and Administration Manager is Jane Dawson. Jane is responsible for budgeting and financial planning and reporting, the management of capital and Jane oversees the finance/administration team who manage the day-to-day reception functions and management of fees and accounts. This team consists of Lynley Bailey, Susan Nicholson and Fiona Russell.
The Food Service Manager
The Food Services Manager is Hilary Van Zoelen. Hilary is responsible for all matters related to food, the running of the dining room and the kitchen/dining room staff. Jude Murray is the Assistant Food Services Manager and Jude deputises for Hilary when required.
The Property Manager
Brian O'Kane is our Property Manager and he works hard to make sure all our buildings meet all required Health and Safety and Fire risk standards. We have a system in place for reporting maintenance problems, through the filling out of a maintenance form from reception. If the work is urgent i.e. a leaking heater etc. just find the first staff member and together we will action what is required.