FOUNDING SOCIETIES
University of Canterbury Political Science Society
Founded in 2011, UCPOLS is a non-partisan faculty-based political science society, who aim to encourage students to become politically informed, and to build the political science student community.
To encourage political participation, provide frequent and safe discussion forums, raise awareness of political issues, enable a social agenda, and engage in constructive discussion and debate.
Through seminars and social events, we are a conduit between students, academics, organisations and politicians, and offer a wide range of opportunities to engage in politics locally, nationally and internationally.
Meet the President
Thomas Richards
Tom is an LLB and BA (Majoring in Political Science) student at the University of Canterbury. He's been a part of the UCPOLS team since 2025, and leads the club alongside Luke, Leya, and Kyan.
Victoria University of Wellington Politics Society
Founded in 2015, the Victoria University of Wellington Politics Society is the capital’s premier student-led hub for civic engagement and political discourse. Since its revitalization in 2023, the society has grown to over 400 members, serving as a non-partisan bridge between Te Herenga Waka and the halls of Parliament.
Meet the President
Ben Titus
Ben is a third-year student at Te Herenga Waka, studying a conjoint Bachelor of Arts and Health, majoring in Population Health, Health Promotion, and International Relations. He began his love for politics and civics as a Youth Councillor in Palmerston North, and has fostered this passion through organisations such as UN Youth NZ, World Vision NZ, and the VUW Politics Society, which he joined in 2025. He understands the power of political engagement and believes it's an essential tool for empowerment and agency. Especially as it's an election year, Ben is excited to see the growth and success of the VUW Politics Society in 2026.
University of Otago Politics Students Association
University of Otago Politics Students Association (POLSA) was established in 2017 by a group of students who recognized the lack of support and intra-departmental communication facing political students. We believe that our university experience can be enriched by an association of politics student volunteers working together to facilitate this support.
Our membership includes political science students and other students who have an interest in politics generally. We host an array of social and academic events, to encourage socialisation and engagement in politics by the student population.
Our membership includes political science students and other students who have an interest in politics generally. We host an array of social and academic events, to encourage socialisation and engagement in politics by the student population.
Meet the President
Lola Colbeck
Lola is an LLB/BA/BSc student at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka in Law, Neuroscience, and Politics (with politics being her favourite, of course). As POLSA President, she is focused on increasing student engagement and supporting short-form policy education in the lead-up to the election. Her earliest politics-related memory is being told to "hide her ponytail" during John Key's visit to her primary school, and her favourite recent political moment was Hana-Rawhiti's haka and destruction of the Treaty Principles Bill.
Waikato Political Science Students Association
Hello from the Waikato Political Science Students Association (WPSSA) ⭐️
Based in the University of Waikato, Hamilton campus, our society warmly welcomes you, especially if you are interested in political science, social/public policy, and international relations. WPSSA is an apolitical club dedicated to providing our members with platforms of communication and opportunities for academic and professional development. Whether you seek political education, desire engagement in local civics, or need support in post-study transitions, WPSSA is here to support.
Meet the President
Nury Choi
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.