Locals is a student-centered service led by the Manager, Deputy Manager, and the volunteer Leaders. Our student volunteer leaders are the heart and soul of Locals.
Manager of Locals
Maya Pitcon (she/her)
Kia ora. I'm Maya and I am the Manager of Locals. As the Manager, I oversee all aspects of Locals. I started off in the Locals Programme as a first-year student in 2013. As well as being a first year in the programme I have done every role in Locals so have a unique understanding of all aspects of Locals. I think I may have the best job ever; every day is different, and I get to spend my time getting to know our local students helping them navigate their first year at university and learning the best way to support them. I work beside the volunteer leaders to organise and run all of our fun locals events, and with the wider university community to organise academic support. I am passionate about ensuring that our first-year locals are supported and have the best experience possible at Otago.
I graduated in 2016 with an Honours degree in Anthropology (with a focus on Biological Anthropology and the ethics of introducing new technologies) after finishing my undergrad in Anthropology and Archaeology in 2015. I am proud to have been born and live in amazing Dunedin! As a past local student myself I understand some of the challenges you may face in your first year and am here to help you through them. I'm looking forward to meeting all of the new locals students and can't wait to get stuck into the amazing year we at Locals have planned for you!
I love meeting locals students and talking to staff about how they can support the locals community and locals students, so please email or call me if you ever want to talk or need support.
Email maya.pitcon@otago.ac.nz
Mob +64 21 949 653
Deputy Manager of Locals
Lei Lani Kereopa Hosking (she/her)
Ko Taupiri te maunga
Ko Waikato te awa
Ko Tainui me taakitimu ngā waka
He uri noa ahau ki Waikato, Āitu me Rarotonga hoki
Ko Lei Lani Kereopa Hosking tōku ingoa
I’m Lei Lani, and I’m the Deputy Head of Locals. I work alongside Maya to support the day-to-day running of the Locals Collegiate Community.
Born and raised in beautiful Ōtepoti Dunedin, I know firsthand what it’s like to start university without the built-in support of a residential college. In my first year, I was living in a flat and often felt unsure of where I fit in or how to access help. That experience really drives the work I do now, making sure students who live outside of halls don’t miss out on the sense of belonging and support that can make all the difference in your first year.
Before stepping into my current role, I spent three years working in the residential college system as a kaiāwhina. That experience gave me a solid understanding of the different kinds of support students need and how to provide it in ways that are inclusive, culturally responsive, and grounded in genuine care. I bring that same pastoral focus to Locals, where I’m especially passionate about creating opportunities for students to connect and grow, no matter where they're coming from or where they’re living.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Classics, as well as a certification in Early Childhood Education. My academic background reflects my interest in people, their stories, and how we learn and grow across different stages of life.
One of the best parts of my job is working alongside our amazing volunteer leaders to run events, offer guidance, and foster a welcoming community. I love seeing students flourish, whether they’re finding their voice, stepping into leadership, or simply discovering that they’re not alone.
If you ever have questions, need support, or just want to connect, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’d love to hear from you!
Email lani.hosking@otago.ac.nz
Mob +64 21 279 1913
Student Engagement Leads
Our Student Engagement Leads are senior student members of the Locals Collegiate Community who work closely with Locals staff to support first-year students at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka | University of Otago. They help deliver the key functions of Locals, including events, initiatives, and day-to-day engagement, and play an important role in ensuring that first-year students who live off campus feel connected, supported, and part of the wider University community.