It Starts with Listening: Incoming UCSA President Tumaru Mataio’s Vision for 2026

Image supplied by Tumaru Mataio.

Next year, the University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA) will be led by a new face with a familiar passion for student advocacy.

Tumaru Mataio, the current Pacific Representative, will step into the presidency in 2026 after winning 41.15% of the vote in this year’s student elections.

Known for her empathy, drive and community focus, Mataio said she’s honoured to take on the role and is determined to make the UCSA more accessible and connected.

“Honestly, I was shocked at first, it didn’t feel real,” she said.

“Then it hit me, and I just felt really grateful. It’s a big responsibility, but also such an honour to know students trust me to represent them.” 

Mataio’s decision to run was shaped by her desire to ensure all UC students feel seen and supported, particularly those who may not always feel heard in campus spaces.

Guided by the values of service, integrity and community, she hopes to build on a UCSA that listens as much as it leads.

“I don’t want to wait for students to come to me,” she said. “I want to go out to where they are, at events, in clubs, or just around campus, and really listen.”

Her focus for 2026 will center on student wellbeing, representation and connection.

Mataio plans to strengthen engagement between the UCSA and students by making communication clearer and the executive more visible.

“I know I won’t be able to fix everything overnight,” she said, “but I want to keep things moving in the right direction and make sure students can see the UCSA working for them.”

Outgoing President Luc MacKay said he feels confident handing over the reins.

Photo: Mataio and MacKay sharing the floor following the announcement that Mataio had won the election. Photo source: Isla Melton

“I have a great deal of confidence in Tumaru’s ability to lead a strong executive in 2026,” he said.

“She’s passionate, motivated and deeply focused on student representation.”

MacKay, who worked closely with Mataio throughout the year, said her leadership as Pacific Representative has already left a mark on the association.

“She’s been instrumental in reshaping our incredibly successful feedback sessions, something I hope will become a permanent addition to the UCSA going into 2026,” he said.

Reflecting on his own term, MacKay said he is proud of how far the UCSA has come in reconnecting with students.

“My goal was to bring relevancy and engagement back to the UCSA, and I think we achieved that,” he said.

Among his key milestones were the introduction of the lecture recording policy, support for AI guidelines in teaching and improved representation for student cohorts across the university.

As for advice to his successor, MacKay encourages Mataio to stay grounded and keep perspective.

“Just go for it – and remember what it was like to be a student before stepping into the role,” he said.

“Bringing context and perspective into every decision is what drives success.”

Looking ahead, MacKay believes the biggest challenges for students will come from rising living costs, AI integration and maintaining strong student engagement.

But he is confident Mataio and the next executive will continue the legacy of keeping students at the center of every decision.

The official handover between MacKay and Mataio will take place later this year, with the 2026 UCSA executive beginning their term in January.

As Mataio prepares to take on the presidency, her message to students is simple: connection and community will remain her compass.

“This isn’t just my journey – it’s something we’ve built together as students and communities,” she said.

“I’m excited for what’s ahead.”