13 October 2025
Sarah Samson
By email
: [FYI request #32502 email]
Dear Sarah
OIA 25.358 – Entry criteria for Hal s of Residence
I refer to the Official Information Act (the Act) request dated 6 October 2025 regarding entry criteria for Hal s
of Residence. You have specifical y requested:
•
Al guidance and references to criteria on admissions to Halls of Residence. In particular, how Halls
balance fairness across applicants, including ratio of students from private versus public school.
•
Also, I would like any information on how all Halls determine if students have made the applications
themselves - or if their schools have made them on their behalf.
The process for applications to the Halls of Residence is as follows:
• Students apply through the UC portal
Apply for a hal of residence | UC.
• To send the application on to the halls, the application form and the Common Confidential
Reference Form (CCRF) need to be complet
ed NZCCRF | Student Registration for
Accommodation References.
• It is then sent to the first preference Hall for consideration. The Halls have their own selection
criteria
Frequently asked accommodation questions | UC.
Therefore, the University does not hold information on how the Halls balance fairness, the ratio of
students from private versus public school and if students make the applications themself or have
schools do them on their behalf. This information is refused as per s 18(g) of the Act.
The request cannot be transferred to the different accommodation providers who manage the Halls, as
they are not agencies within the scope of the Act. However, you may wish to contact the Halls directly
regarding any queries:
https://www.unilodge.co.nz/ UniLodge New Zealand
https://www.arcadyhall.org.nz/ Arcady Hall
https://www.collegehouse.org.nz/ College House
https://www.rochester-rutherford.org.nz/ Rochester and Rutherford Hall
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information about
how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
Yours sincerely
Information and Records Management
