WAIPAPA TAUMATA RAU | UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
STUDENT SERVICES LEVY
STUDENT SERVICES LEVY
2025 Levy Setting Consultation
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WAIPAPA TAUMATA RAU | UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
STUDENT SERVICES LEVY
Contents
What is the Student Services Levy? .................................................................................... 3
Forecasted Expenditure of the Student Services Levy in 2024 ....................................... 4
Proposed increase to the Student Services Levy for 2025 ............................................. 11
Consultation ........................................................................................................................ 11
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WAIPAPA TAUMATA RAU | UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
STUDENT SERVICES LEVY
What is the Student Services Levy?
The Student Services Levy is the fee paid by all enrol ed students to fund non-academic student support services provided by the
University. In 2024 the fee is $8.88 per point, which works out to be $1,065.60 for a typical undergraduate taking eight papers.
There are specific categories of services that the Levy can be used to fund (as defined by the Education Amendment Act (2011),
these are:
CATEGORY
DESCRIPTION
Advocacy and legal advice
Advocating on behalf of individual students and groups of students and providing
independent support to resolve problems. This includes advocacy and legal advice relating
to accommodation
Careers information, advice
Supporting students’ transition into post-study employment
and guidance
Childcare services
Providing affordable childcare services while parents are studying
Clubs and societies
Supporting student clubs and societies, including through the provision of administrative
support and facilities for clubs and societies
Counselling services and
Providing non-academic counselling and pastoral care, such as chaplains
pastoral care
Employment information
Providing information about employment opportunities for students while they are studying
Finance support and advice
Providing hardship assistance and advice to students with financial issues
Health services
Providing health care and related welfare services
Media
Supporting the production and dissemination of information by students to students, including
newspapers, radio, television and internet-based media
Sport, recreation and
Providing sports, recreation and cultural activities for students
cultural activities
It’s important to note that the categories are broad and
Early Childhood Centres, the Health Service and the Recreation
sometimes cover a wide range of activities. For example Sport,
Centre, are partial y funded by fees from those students who
recreation and cultural activities includes Orientation and
use them.
Transition, Co-curricular activities, social events on campus and
Every year we consult with students and seek views on the
recognition programmes amongst other activities. Counselling
types of services we should fund through the levy and how
services and pastoral care includes Te Papa Manaaki | Campus
to achieve the best balance between levy funding and user-
Care, Be Well Team, the Chapel and Faith Spaces, Faculty
charges. We do this through two mechanisms:
support and mentoring programmes.
• A survey open to all students.
The Levy is set at a level sufficient to cover the costs of the
student services it funds. Some of these services have other
• Consultations with elected student representatives through
revenue sources and these are taken into account. For example,
the Student Consultative Group (SCG).
we receive funding from the Ministry of Health that partial y
covers our student wel being services and reduces the amount
we need to contribute from the Levy. Other services such as
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WAIPAPA TAUMATA RAU | UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
STUDENT SERVICES LEVY
Forecasted Expenditure of the Student Services
Levy in 2024*
The below graph shows the
total forecasted expenditure on the services provided within the ten designated categories. This expenditure is
made up from both levy contributions and other external income (e.g. Ministry of Health Funding for Wel being Services).
Media
$157,470.26
Clubs and Societies
$4,334,381.44
Sports, Recreation and
Cultural Activities
$12,353,938.28
Counselling Services
and Pastoral Care
$8,528,112.80
Employment
Information
Advocacy and
$22,589.24
Legal Advice
$1,427,167.30
Financial Support
and Advice
$989,218.00
Careers Information
and Advice
$2,650,620.84
Health Services
$6,349,412.46
Childcare Services
$5,401,795.37
*The amounts stated are as per the May Forecast, as this is the latest official Forecast we have at the time of publishing this information and the
numbers will be subject to change.
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WAIPAPA TAUMATA RAU | UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
STUDENT SERVICES LEVY
The below graph shows the
total forecasted levy contributions to the services provided by the University within the ten designated categories.
Media
$157,470
Clubs and Societies
$4,273,578
Sports, Recreation and
Cultural Activities
$11,316,383
Counselling Services
and Pastoral Care
$7,160,244
Employment
Information
$22,589
Advocacy and
Financial Support
Legal Advice
and Advice
$1,427,167
$984,289
Health Services
$3,453,644
Childcare Services
$244,274
Careers Information
and Advice
$2,423,847
A total of $42.2m is expected to be spent on the provision of Student Services by the University of Auckland in 2024. Of that total, $31.5m comes
from the levy and $10.7m is provided from non-levy funding sources.
*The amounts stated are as per the May Forecast, as this is the latest official Forecast we have at the time of publishing this information and the
numbers will be subject to change.
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WAIPAPA TAUMATA RAU | UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
STUDENT SERVICES LEVY
The below table shows the forecasted split of funding (levy vs. direct funding) for each of the ten categories, and the value per $100 collected
from the levy spent on University services within the defined categories.
KEY AREAS OF SPEND (2024)
HOW COSTS ARE FUNDED
VALUE PER $100
SSL Funded
100%
Advocacy and legal advice
$4
Direct
0%
Funding
SSL Funded
91%
Careers information, advice and guidance
$8
Direct
Funding
9%
SSL Funded
5%
Childcare services
$1
Direct
Funding
95%
SSL Funded
99%
Clubs and societies
$13
Direct
1%
Funding
SSL Funded
84%
Counselling services and pastoral care
$23
Direct
16%
Funding
SSL Funded
100%
Employment information
$.1
Direct
0%
Funding
SSL Funded
100%
Finance support and advice
$3
Direct
0%
Funding
SSL Funded
54%
Health services
$11
Direct
46%
Funding
SSL Funded
100%
Media
$.5
Direct
0%
Funding
SSL Funded
92%
Sport, recreation and cultural activities
$36
Direct
8%
Funding
*The amounts stated are as per the May Forecast, as this is the latest official Forecast we have at the time of publishing this information and the
numbers will be subject to change.
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WAIPAPA TAUMATA RAU | UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
STUDENT SERVICES LEVY
An overview of the key services and activities that are funded by the Levy is provided below (with all figures based on the 2024 forecast).
Advocacy and Legal Advice
Key services and activities included:
• Auckland University Students Association – Advocacy and Representation ($0.35m)
• Auckland University Students Association – Occupied spaces, repairs and maintenance ($1.1m)
WHAT THE FEE COVERS & WHY WE THINK IT’S IMPORTANT:
The University funds AUSA to provide representation and advocacy services. AUSA Advocacy plays an important role in
representation and advocacy for both individuals and student groups. It is important for students to have a safe and independent
advocate to help them understand their options, rights and responsibilities. AUSA is a voice for students in other important
ways, including representation on University Committees. AUSA has sole use of a number of spaces on campus to ensure its vital
advocacy and support work can be delivered effectively, this includes AUSA House, Womxn’s Space and Queer Space. A portion of
the funding in this category covers the occupancy costs paid on behalf of AUSA for their physical spaces. This covers items such as
property taxes, insurance and utilities.
Careers information Advice and guidance
Key services and activities included:
• Career Development and Employability Services (CDES) ($1.0m)
• Faculty career support teams ($1.3m)
• Occupancy charges ($54k)
WHAT THE FEE COVERS & WHY WE THINK IT’S IMPORTANT:
CDES, along with Career Development teams within Faculties assist current students to clarify their future direction, build
employability skil s during their studies and confidently navigate the transition from campus to career. The funding is also used for a
number of expos, career events and presentations, which provide opportunities for students to connect with employers on campus.
A priority of the Tertiary Education Strategy (updated in 2022) is ‘Ensure learners, vocational education providers, employers
and industry are fit for today’s needs and tomorrow’s expectations.’ Career development for students ensures students have
opportunities to develop employability skil s so they are ‘work ready’ upon graduation.
Childcare Services
Key services and activities included:
• Early Childhood Centres ($0.2m)
• Occupancy charges ($5k)
WHAT THE FEE COVERS & WHY WE THINK IT’S IMPORTANT:
ECE centres are available to parents and caregivers across three campuses. The funding provided subsidises the costs of access
to childcare services for students. Early Childhood Centres al ow students with pre-school aged children to have access to cost-
effective, high-quality childcare which is conveniently located for them and is suited to the student timetable.
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WAIPAPA TAUMATA RAU | UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
STUDENT SERVICES LEVY
Clubs and Societies
Key services and activities included:
• AUSA events and Ngā Tauira Māori ($0.4m)
• Club grants/events ($1.0m)
• Administrative support for clubs ($2.7m)
• Occupancy charges (100k)
WHAT THE FEE COVERS & WHY WE THINK IT’S IMPORTANT:
We have 270 active clubs on campus supported by engagement teams in Campus Life, across the faculties and by several service
divisions. Clubs receive administrative assistance and have access to a range of support and resources including spaces on campus,
equipment, funding, training and development workshops. Club events are delivered throughout the year including expos, award
events, social and networking events. The funding al ocated to AUSA in this category is used to cover the cost of staff salaries, the
remuneration of Student Council representatives and the funding of club events as part of themed weeks such as International
Week and Politics Week.
Having a range of strong student clubs and associations is important in contributing to student engagement levels and creating a
sense of belonging across the University. Wel -run clubs and associations with strong and active memberships mean that a diverse
range of events and activities are in place for students to engage in.
Counselling services and pastoral care
Key services and activities included:
• University Health and Counselling Services ($1.0m)
• Te Papa Manaaki | Campus Care ($1.0m)
• Wellbeing Ambassadors and AUSA International buddies ($0.15m)
• Faith and Chaplaincy services ($0.4m)
• Student Support & Teams in service divisions and faculties ($4.5m)
• Occupancy charges ($160k)
WHAT THE FEE COVERS & WHY WE THINK IT’S IMPORTANT:
The University provides student support teams in each faculty and in service divisions including the International Office and Campus
Life. These teams are available as a first point of contact for students who need help. They can work with students to develop
support plans or refer to more specialist services such as Te Papa Manaaki | Campus Care or Health and Counselling.
Pastoral care is about more than addressing issues when they arise. It is also about helping students to engage fully in University
life and develop a strong sense of belonging because that is critical to a successful and enjoyable student experience. The Code of
Pastoral Care also requires that universities consider the needs of Māori and equity groups and that we seek to provide safe and
inclusive learning environments.
Further details on the pastoral care services that the University provides can be found at:
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/student-support/personal-support.html
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WAIPAPA TAUMATA RAU | UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
STUDENT SERVICES LEVY
Employment Information
Key services and activities included:
• AUSA - Student Job Search ($21k)
WHAT THE FEE COVERS & WHY WE THINK IT’S IMPORTANT:
A portion of the levy is provided to AUSA to retain membership to the Student Job Search (SJS) service, the University also looks to
promote opportunities for students while they are studying with us, providing students with easy access to job information.
Financial Support and Advice
Key services and activities included:
• Hardship funds and financial advice ($1m)
WHAT THE FEE COVERS & WHY WE THINK IT’S IMPORTANT:
Hardship funding assists students experiencing unforeseen financial difficulty and can cover a wide range of needs including
food, travel, accommodation, medical expenses and laptop repairs. Sudden financial hardship can cause significant disruption to
a student’s life and their ability to study. The emergency funds are available to provide short-term relief for students who are in
sudden, unexpected hardship to enable them to continue to study.
Health services
Key services and activities included:
• University Health Services ($3.0m)
• Disability Services ($0.4m)
• Occupancy charges ($80k)
WHAT THE FEE COVERS & WHY WE THINK IT’S IMPORTANT:
The University provides primary healthcare services to students to help prevent and overcome personal difficulties relating to their
physical and mental wellbeing. The funding is used to partial y fund GPs and nurse salaries to deliver health services, along with
more specialist services including Health Coaches, Health Improvement Practitioners and Mental Health specialists. UHCS is a low-
cost service which aims to keep healthcare accessible to all students who need it.
Student Disability Services (SDS) who provide support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible.
These supports range from ensuring the campus can be safely accessed by all students, to advising and assisting individuals and
departments in how to access a range of specialist equipment such as adaptive technology and specialist services such as New
Zealand Sign Language Interpreters. The University is committed to ensuring that all students can reach their potential irrespective
of any disability.
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WAIPAPA TAUMATA RAU | UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
STUDENT SERVICES LEVY
Media
Key services and activities included:
• Craccum ($0.15m)
• Faculty journals ($7k)
WHAT THE FEE COVERS & WHY WE THINK IT’S IMPORTANT:
This funding al ocation is used by AUSA to produce AUSA’s weekly paper ‘Craccum’ and other specialty student journals and
publications such as ‘Interesting’ (Faculty of Arts), ‘Part II Blog’ (Faculty of Engineering) and the ‘Science Research’ magazine
(Faculty of Science). A strong student voice is essential at the University. Publications produced by and for students al ow students
to showcase their achievements and share authentic insights into life as a student with one another.
Sports, Recreation & Cultural Activities
Key services and activities included:
• Recreation Centre ($7.8m)
• Sport tournaments and activities ($1.3m)
• Orientation ($0.3m)
• AUSA events ($0.3m)
• Recognition awards and events programme ($0.2m)
• Student events including Faculty Support ($1m)
• Occupancy charges ($250k)
WHAT THE FEE COVERS & WHY WE THINK IT’S IMPORTANT:
The University offers a full range of sporting competitions at social, competitive and elite levels, and a comprehensive recreation
centre. Along with the physical and mental health benefits of exercise, participation in sport and recreation while at university has
been shown to result in better grades, career outcomes and a stronger sense of belonging.
The University along with AUSA, offers a broad range of recreational, cultural and recognition-based events for students to
participate in while on campus. The events are designed to appeal to a range of interests and span cultural, music, performance,
sport and skill development and are largely free to attend. Student events are designed to help students make friends and develop a
sense of belonging.
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WAIPAPA TAUMATA RAU | UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
STUDENT SERVICES LEVY
Proposed increase to the Student Services Levy
for 2025
AUSA has requested additional funding from the University to support its activities. The University will continue to discuss longer-term funding
arrangements with AUSA but in the meantime University management support a funding increase of $250,000 for additional student voice
activities and advocacy services.
In 2025 the new Recreation Centre will be open. The al ocation of funding to Sport and Recreation (included in the Sport, Recreation and Cultural
Activities category), will enable a student membership price of $200 (the price for staff will be $1,040 and for community members will be
$1,500).
The University, like the rest of New Zealand, continues to face inflated costs. CPI has been at between 4% and 5% since the 2024 Levy was
set and some costs, such as wages and salaries, have been higher than CPI. To cover the cost of inflation across all services, and to fund the
additional expenditure above, the University is proposing a maximum 4% increase in the Student Services Levy for 2025. This would see the fee
increase from $8.88 per point to $9.24 per point, meaning for a typical undergraduate student taking eight papers the fee would be a maximum
$1,108.22 in 2025, up from $1,065.60 in 2024.
The final fee will be determined later this year fol owing the completion of the consultation period and consideration of feedback by
the Finance committee.
Consultation
The University is inviting feedback on the above al ocations and welcomes your opinions. To provide your feedback please complete the
Student Services Levy survey which will be open until 25 August 2024.
Survey feedback will be discussed at the
Student Consultative Group in August, prior to final decisions by University Council in October.
*The amounts stated are as per the May Forecast, as this is the latest official Forecast we have at the time of publishing this information and the
numbers will be subject to change.
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