Short profiles of AUT's student advisors.
George Kimani

MSW, MA
Student Advisor (Languages, Social Sciences, Hospitality and Tourism)
George enjoys helping students to realise their innate capacities to excel. He is focused on assisting students to remove barriers that may impact on their study and general wellbeing. He has previous experience working with university students from multicultural contexts in Southeast Asia and the USA.
Helen Tolley

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
Student Advisor (Mental Health)
Helen is a registered Occupational Therapist and trained Problem Solving Therapist. She has extensive clinical experience and has lecturing experience at AUT. She is committed to supporting students who experience mental health issues to achieve their academic and personal goals and maintain their wellbeing whilst at AUT.
Mental Health Services at AUT
Lian-Hong Brebner

DipBus, BMin, MPhil (Sociology), RACC (NeuroLeadership), EXCELL Accredited Trainer
Student Advisor (Communications, Applied Sciences and Postgraduate)
Lian-Hong has extensive experience in the student support role. She previously coordinated AUT Student Mentor programme and Orientation. As a certified Coach, Lian-Hong enjoys practising brain-based coaching to help others access insights and create positive change. She is also an Accredited Trainer for the EXCELL Intercultural skills programme.
Penny Gray

BA (History), MA (Education), PG Dip (Public Health)
Student Advisor (Business and Law, Art and Design, Engineering, Computing and Maths Sciences)
Penny is passionate about working with students and assisting them to achieve their goals. She has worked with students from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Penny enjoys working holistically to help students get the most out of their experience at university.
Kim Malan

SRN, DipBus, CEA
Student Financial Advisor and Service Delivery Coordinator (North Shore Campus, Student Financial Services)
Kim’s background is in nursing and business administration. She was the Administration Manager for Health and Counselling at the University of Auckland before joining AUT. She enjoys working with students to show them the best way to “survive on a student budget”. Kim also provides pastoral support to students.
Student Financial Services
Mitchell Hutchings

Cert Teaching, Dip Teaching
Student Advisor (North Shore Campus)
Mitchell has been a primary school teacher. He has also worked in the Corrections Department and the disability sector prior to AUT. His varied work history and in-depth knowledge of the programmes and staff at North Shore campus makes him well-placed to provide support to all students.
Meiolandre Tima

BA Social Science
Student Advisor (Manukau Campus, Learning Development and Success, Student Financial Services)
Meiolandre is a Student Advisor at AUT Manukau and also a staff member of Learning Development Success and Student Financial Services. She provides learning development support, financial assistance as well as pastoral support. Meiolandre delivers academic workshops, one to one appointments and drop in services to encourage students to achieve at AUT.
Tony Solomona

MA Hons (1st Class), BA Hons (2nd Class), BA, Cert Tertiary Teaching
Student Coordinator and Advisor (Manukau Campus, Learning Development and Success, Student Financial Services)
Tony joined AUT in 2010 from the University of Auckland. His role is a “one-stop shop” where he offers academic support, financial assistance and connects students to other student services. Tony also runs free “Fitness Sessions” for all students and staff at Manukau. Tony recently commenced his PhD in Pasifikalogy.
Student Learning Centre
Administration
Serena Tiaiti

GradDip Career Development, Cert Tertiary Teaching, GradCert in Career Counselling for Sports, BSc
Manager, Student Advising and Careers
Serena has worked in various areas of Student Services within AUT since 2001. She is professionally trained as a Career Specialist and enjoys helping students to realise their potential and fulfil their goals. Serena enjoys working with Pasifika and athlete students because of her Cook Island heritage and representation in sports.
Wayne Leggat

MA (Sociology)
Student Services Liaison
Wayne is the person to see for help to access any of the Student Services at AUT. He has a good knowledge of the university and really enjoys helping students from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures
Jennifer Hastie

Student Services Receptionist (North Shore Campus)
Jenny is the person to see regarding and accessing Student Services at AUT. She enjoys helping students to succeed in their journey through University and beyond.