Our people

Manager

Genevieve Obbeek

Genevieve leads a team of Hauora Connectors and Peer Support staff to provide high-quality wellbeing support for tauira. A registered Occupational Therapist and Mental Health Clinician, she works alongside her team to ensure students receive compassionate, responsive, and student-centred care.

She is committed to fostering a supportive environment where staff are equipped to help students navigate challenges, build resilience, and thrive throughout their university journey.

Genevieve is available Monday–Friday.

Email genevieve.obbeek@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 21 279 1033

Hauora Connectors

Ali Mostolizadeh

Ali is a friendly navigator for student life at Otago. He works alongside students from former refugee backgrounds and the wider student community, providing one-to-one support, connecting students with relevant university and community services, and facilitating workshops and initiatives that foster connection, shared learning, and a strong sense of belonging.

He is committed to creating inclusive and supportive spaces where students feel welcomed, connected, and empowered to succeed in their studies and wider university experience.

Ali is available Monday and Wednesday.

Email sayedali.mostolizadeh@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 21 943 104

Chad Steiner-Mitchell

Chad (Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Hauiti – Rangitīkei) works alongside tauira Māori and all other students, helping them navigate challenges, strengthen their wellbeing, and connect with the right support when needed.

He is passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive environment where students feel comfortable reaching out and know they do not have to face challenges alone. Mauri Ora.

Chad is available Monday–Friday.

Email chad.steiner-mitchell@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 021 919 024

Lewis Munn

Lewis supports all students, with a particular focus on supporting tauira who identify as part of the Rainbow Community. He is committed to ensuring that students from the Rainbow Community feel supported, understood, and welcomed for who they are, so they can thrive during their time at the University of Otago.

Lewis is available Monday–Friday.

Email lewis.munn@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 21 960 195

Viola Huch

Viola is the Hauora Connector Pacific at the University of Otago, supporting Pacific tauira and all students to navigate challenges and strengthen their wellbeing. Through Talanoa, meaningful face-to-face conversations, Viola creates a safe and welcoming space where students feel heard, understood, and supported. By taking the time to understand each student's unique circumstances, she works alongside them to identify the best pathway forward, whether that involves providing guidance directly or connecting them with the appropriate university and community supports.

Viola is passionate about helping students feel connected, empowered, and able to continue their university journey with confidence.

Viola is based at Te Pou Whirinaki Mondays and Thursdays. She is available the remainder of the week at Pacific Island Centre and Pathway.

Email viola.huch@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 27 395 1848

Emma Tolcher

Emma supports all students, with a particular focus on tauira studying at the University of Otago’s Northern Campuses. She provides accessible online support, helping students navigate wellbeing concerns, academic challenges, and university life.

Emma is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel connected, understood, and empowered to achieve their goals.

Emma is available Monday–Friday.

Email emma.tolcher@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 21 195 1534

Peer Supporters

Pop into the hub and have a chat with our friendly team. Alternatively, you can request an appointment with one of our peer supporters anytime.

Our peer support staff are available Monday–Friday, 9am–7.30pm.

Email wellbeinghub@otago.ac.nz