ABOUT US
Who are we?
Established in late 2025, SPPANZ unites regional tertiary societies to amplify student voices, strengthen political engagement, and facilitate the exchange of resources and best governance practices across the country.
By bridging the gap between tertiary research and national policy discussions, we empower the next generation of New Zealand leaders with the analytical tools and civic literacy needed to navigate a complex global landscape. SPPANZ remains committed to fostering a non-partisan environment where diverse political perspectives from across our member societies can engage in rigorous, constructive dialogue.
Meet the Executive
Zinzan Goertzen | Chair
Zinzan is a final-year law student, and previously President of the Politics Society, at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. He aims to boost connectivity between tertiary politics societies, support newer societies, and tackle initiatives no single society could run alone.
Molly Smith-Soppet | Deputy Chair
Molly is a Masters of Politics student at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka–University of Otago, and former Vice-President of the Otago Politics Students Association (POLSA). Through SPPANZ, she wants to build a national community of politics students that drives real change in Aotearoa.
Andrew Lin | Treasurer
Andrew is a fifth-year student at the University of Waikato, completing a Diploma in Social Sciences after a BSc in Computer Science & Data Analytics and a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science. He's interested in bringing technical and policy perspectives together to examine problems and systems.
Dev Bhatt | Secretary
Dev is a fifth-year LLB/BA (Political Science and International Relations) student at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. He helped revive Wellington’s Political Society, and has led the Human Rights Team at the Wellington Community Justice Project.
Harvey Johnson | Co-Editor
Harvey is a final-year LLB/BA (International Relations and Economics) student at Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington. He is passionate about public policy, with experience working in and around government in Wellington.
Jake Killoh | Co-Editor
Jake is completing a Master's of International Relations and Diplomacy at the University of Canterbury, following a Bachelor’s in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. His dissertation examined the role of international organisations during hegemonic contestation.
Dominic Sarelius | Otago Rep
Dominic is a third-year Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Politics and Classics at the University of Otago. He is the Treasurer at the Politics Students' Association at the University of Otago (POLSA).
Ashley Velazquez | Social Media Lead
Ashley is a first-year Bachelor of Communications student at the University of Waikato, majoring in Marketing and Media Production. She leads SPPANZ's social media presence for 2026.
Nury Choi | Waikato Rep
Nury is a law and politics student at the University of Waikato. She is President of the Waikato Political Science Students Association and sits on the Hamilton City Youth Council.
Ronan Melville | Wellington Rep
Ronan is a Bachelor of Global Studies student at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. He is Vice-President of VUW's Politics Society, co-chair of International Development Young Professionals NZ, and has worked with ReliefAid and the U.S., Mexican, and Irish embassies.
Kyan Simōn| Canterbury Rep
Kyan is in his second year at the University of Canterbury. He studies Economic and Political Science under a Bachelor of Commerce. Kyan is currently the Academic Representative to University of Canterbury Political Science Society (UCPOLS). He has lived in Christchurch his entire life, and he enjoys playing golf in his spare time.