AUSA

What AUSA does

AUSA is a voluntary, non-profit students' association incorporated in New Zealand and recognised as the representative body for students of the University of Auckland. Founded in 1891 (originally as the Auckland University College Students' Association, renamed AUSA in 1919) and operating from AUSA House at 4 Alfred Street in Auckland CBD, it delivers independent advice, advocacy, events, and dedicated community spaces to a student population that exceeds 45,000. Its primary functional offerings include the Independent Student Advice Service (academic, tenancy, employment, complaints and appeals), four cultural safe spaces (Hineahuone for Māori students, O Lagi Atea Moana for Pacific students, Queer Space, Women's Space), an International Buddies Programme, the AUSA Volunteers Programme (100+ volunteers), and large-scale events such as O'Week Festival, ReO Week Festival, and the Alfred Street Party. Student representation is delivered through Class Reps embedded in every course, the Student Council of Faculty Association presidents, and a 15-member elected Student Executive.

Its core technology stack consists of an MSL (Membership System) used for member management, event ticketing and student accounts, a CMS-based public website with an event calendar, and the "You Say, We Do" customisable student feedback and voting platform. Wholly-owned operating subsidiaries extend its footprint: Shadows (on-campus R18 bar with weekly programming), bFM (student radio), UBIQ (student services entity), a Property Trust, and Craccum Magazine (independent student publication since 1927, 8 issues per year, 5,000 print / 10,000 read).

The revenue model is anchored by a mandatory student levy collected via University enrollment fees (subscription/recurring), supplemented by event sponsorship packages (Bronze ~NZ$4,250 to Gold NZ$11,000–$15,000+), digital and print advertising across Craccum and a 20,000+ EDM database (30%+ open rate), 14.7k Instagram and 25k Facebook channels, venue/stall rentals during festivals, and Shadows Bar F&B revenue. Distribution is single-country domestic: Auckland, New Zealand, with a community-led, field-based go-to-market combining campus activations, social, EDM, and a grassroots Class Reps network. AUSA has no mobile app, no API surface, no disclosed integrations, and no AI/ML capabilities described in the source material.

Name

AUSA

Legal name

Auckland University Students' Association Incorporated (AUSA)

Website

https://ausa.org.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1891

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

AUSA is a non-profit students' association, founded in 1891, that represents, advises, and serves the 45,000+ students of the University of Auckland through advocacy, independent advice, events, cultural safe spaces, and wholly-owned subsidiaries including a campus bar, radio station, and magazine.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Student Association Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Cultural, Identity & Inclusion Programs (EDALAHAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

International Student Advising & Resource Centers (Wraparound Support) (EDAIAKAJ), International Student Academic & Personal Support (case management, referrals) (EDALANAE)

Keywords

• Student advocacy services
• Campus events programming
• Student representation
• Independent student advice
• Community safe spaces

Headquarters

HQ city

Auckland

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Student Levy/Membership: AUSA operates as a non-profit students' association funded primarily through a student levy collected from University of Auckland students as part of their enrollment fees.
2. Event Sponsorship: Sponsorship packages for O'Week Festival, ReO Week Festival, and Alfred Street Party events. Tiers range from Bronze ($4,250) to Gold ($11k-$15k+) for naming rights and presenting sponsorships.
3. Digital and Print Advertising: Craccum Magazine advertising (full page $425, half page $250), social media posts (feed post $400 on-peak, story $300 on-peak), EDM banner ads ($550), and wall planner ads ($500).
4. Venue and Space Rental: Rental of campus spaces to partner brands during events, including stall sites, atrium spaces, and overnight storage facilities.
5. Shadows Bar Operations: On-campus bar venue generating revenue through food and beverage sales. R18 venue with weekly events including pub quiz, student nights, cocktail specials, and live music.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

AUSA is a non-profit students' association that represents, supports, and builds community for over 45,000 students at the University of Auckland. Its core offering centers on student advocacy and representation, an independent advice service, on-campus events (O'Week, ReO Week, Alfred Street Party), community spaces for diverse student groups, and student publications such as Craccum Magazine. It operates an R18 bar (Shadows), runs sponsorship and advertising programs for partner brands, and is funded primarily through a student levy collected via enrollment fees.

Product overview

AUSA (Auckland University Students' Association) is a student-led organization serving over 45,000 students at the University of Auckland since 1891. The organization operates as a unified membership-based association offering student representation, advocacy services, and campus community support through its core platform of services. Key offerings include the Independent Student Advice Service (providing free confidential guidance on academic, tenancy, and legal matters), student events programming (O'Week Festival, Re-O'Week Festival, Alfred Street Party), four dedicated safe spaces (Hineahuone for Māori students, O Lagi Atea Moana for Pacific students, Queer Space, and Women's Space), the International Buddies Programme for international student support, AUSA Volunteers Programme, and Craccum Magazine (student publication since 1927). Additional services include a student feedback platform (You Say, We Do), Student Events Calendar for club promotion, Lost Property services, and Partnership/sponsorship opportunities for brands. Student representation is delivered through Student Council, Class Representatives, and Executive leadership positions elected annually.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Craccum Magazine: The University of Auckland's independent student magazine, run by students for students since 1927.
• Shadows
• Queer Space
• Women's Space
• Hineahuone
• O Lagi Atea Moana (Cultural Space)

Products and services

• Independent Student Advice Service A free, confidential advice service providing guidance to University of Auckland students on academic issues, complaints, appeals, tenancy, employment, and other legal matters. Operated completely independently from the University.
• Student Events and Activities Organizes and hosts campus events including O'Week Festival (2-4 March), ReO Week Festival (July), Alfred Street Party, and various social events throughout the year for University of Auckland students.
• Student Representation Service Advocates for student voices through Student Council, Class Representatives in every course, and elected Executive members across faculty and university committees.
• International Buddies Programme Matches new international students with experienced students who provide support through the first semester via one-on-one connection, social events, and ongoing mentorship.
• AUSA Volunteers Programme Enables students to contribute to campus events, wellbeing campaigns, sustainability initiatives, and community engagement activities at the University of Auckland.
• Craccum Magazine The University of Auckland's independent student magazine published by students for students since 1927. 8 issues per year, 5,000 circulation, 10,000 readership, available in print and online.
• You Say, We Do Platform A student feedback platform allowing students to raise issues, vote on initiatives, and track how their feedback leads to real action by AUSA.
• Student Events Calendar A platform allowing clubs and student groups to submit events for approval and promote them on the official AUSA calendar reaching thousands of students across campus.
• Lost Property Service Collects and stores lost property from across the University of Auckland city campus; students visit AUSA House reception at 4 Alfred Street to retrieve items.
• AUSA Election System Annual democratic election process for student leaders including Executive and representative positions through nominations, campaigning, and online voting.
• Wellbeing and Support Services A network of free and confidential services including counselling referrals, mental health support, financial guidance, and connections to university support services.
• Shadows Bar AUSA's on-campus R18 bar venue operating weekly events including Monday free pool, Tuesday pub quiz, Wednesday student night, Thursday cocktail specials, and Friday DJ/live music.
• Partnership and Sponsorship Opportunities Tiered Bronze, Silver, and Gold sponsorship packages enabling brands to connect with students through campus events including O'Week Festival and ReO Week Festival.
• Hineahuone (Māori Student Space) Māori student hub on the top floor of the Student Union Building featuring study areas, kitchen, computers, printers, balcony, and support from Māori Student Officers.
• O Lagi Atea Moana (Pacific Cultural Space) Pacific student space on Level 4 of the Student Union Building providing study areas, events, and advocacy services in partnership with AUPISA.
• Queer Space Safe inclusive space for queer students located in the Atrium above the shops, featuring comfy couches, free condoms and sanitary products, microwave, and the Queer Rights Officer office.
• Women's Space Welcoming chill spot on the City Campus run by Women's Rights Officers, providing free products such as condoms and sanitary items, community support, and kitchen access.

Quantifiable outcome

• 40% transport discount secured through advocacy - doubled from 20%
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AUTSA (Auckland University of Technology Students' Association)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 May 2026Joint advocacy partnership for Auckland's 70,000 tertiary students on cost-of-living issues. Together they wrote to the Prime Minister and key ministers demanding free public transport, higher StudyLink payments, extension of $50 fuel support package, and financial relief for students on unpaid placements. Also collaborated on transport discount campaign that achieved 40% student discount.
• Te Aka Tauira - VUWSA (Victoria University Wellington Students' Association)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 March 2026Nine student associations joined a nationwide open letter to Parliament demanding tertiary students be included in all future cost-of-living relief packages. Includes Māori, Pasifika, disabled, and international ākonga. Collaborated to amplify student voices at national level.
• OUSA (Otago University Students' Association)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 March 2026Nine student associations joined a nationwide open letter to Parliament demanding tertiary students be included in all future cost-of-living relief packages.
• NDSA (National Disabled Students' Association)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 March 2026Nine student associations joined a nationwide open letter to Parliament. NDSA Co-Presidents Eloise Fleming and Nikita Van Dijk signed alongside AUSA.
• Te Awhioraki - Lincoln University Māori Students' AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 March 2026Nine student associations joined a nationwide open letter. Tumuaki Halle Gravatt signed on behalf of Māori students.
• NZISA (New Zealand International Students' Association)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 March 2026Nine student associations joined a nationwide open letter. NZISA Co-President Ibuki Nishida signed on behalf of international students.
• WSU (Waikato Students' Union)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 March 2026Nine student associations joined a nationwide open letter. President Seamus Lohrey signed on behalf of Waikato students.
• LUSA (Lincoln University Students' Association)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 March 2026Nine student associations joined a nationwide open letter. President Zara Weissenstein signed on behalf of Lincoln University students.
• AUPISA (Auckland University Pacific Island Students Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAUPISA has full speaking and voting rights at AUSA Executive meetings through Pacific Island Student Officer. Reciprocal privileges granted to AUSA at AUPISA Executive meetings. Collaborate on Cultural Space (O Lagi Atea Moana) at Level 4 Student Union Building.
• Ngā Tauira MāoricoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMāori Students Officers (Nikau Balme and Rhiannon Kapa) represent Ngā Tauira Māori at AUSA Executive with full speaking and voting rights. Operate Hineahuone Māori hub in Student Union Building.
• University of AucklandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAUSA has formal representation on University committees including Senate and Education Committee. Personal information shared with University departments (with student consent) to improve quality of advice. Collaboration on campus facilities including Student Union Building spaces.
• AT (Auckland Transport)coreOthersFollowing sustained advocacy from AUSA and other student associations, AT doubled student transport discount from 20% to 40%. This was a direct result of student advocacy and fair fares petition campaigns.
• Event Brand Partners (JBL, Kiehl's, Unilever)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partners sponsor O'Week and ReO Week festivals through Bronze/Silver/Gold packages. Includes audio brands, cosmetics, and consumer goods companies activating on campus to reach 45,000+ students.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• University of Sydney Union (USU): Established Australian university student union at the University of Sydney. Comparable scale (~50,000+ students), with commercial operations (bars, venues, retail), events, advocacy, and media assets — a useful international reference for the scale and structure AUSA could evolve toward.
• NZUSA (New Zealand Union of Students' Associations): National umbrella organization representing NZ university students' associations, including AUSA. Comparable advocacy mandate at a national scope, providing policy research, training, and lobbying — the natural umbrella layer above AUSA in the student-movement stack.
• Melbourne University Student Union (UMSU): Student union at the University of Melbourne serving a large student population with representation, advocacy, media (Farrago magazine), and F&B operations. Comparable in scale, scope, and asset structure to AUSA's owned-subsidiary ecosystem (Craccum, Shadows, bFM).

Direct peers

• LUSA (Lincoln University Students' Association): Student association at Lincoln University in Canterbury. Smaller-scale direct peer providing representation, advocacy, and events for Lincoln's student body; coalition partner with AUSA on national advocacy.
• OUSA (Otago University Students' Association): Dunedin-based student association at the University of Otago. Equivalent non-profit levy-funded student union with representation, events, publications, and welfare services; co-signatory with AUSA on the national cost-of-living open letter.
• AUTSA (Auckland University of Technology Students' Association): The direct peer student association at Auckland University of Technology, serving AUT's ~30,000 students. Operates an equivalent levy-funded, advocacy-driven model with events, representation, and wellbeing services, and is AUSA's primary coalition partner for city-wide cost-of-living advocacy.
• WSU (Waikato Students' Union): Student union at the University of Waikato in Hamilton. Direct peer with parallel advocacy, representation, and event programming; co-signatory on the nationwide cost-of-living open letter alongside AUSA.
• VUWSA (Victoria University of Wellington Students' Association): Wellington-based student association at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Direct peer with comparable executive, advocacy, class rep, and events structure; co-signatory with AUSA on the nationwide cost-of-living open letter to Parliament.

Others

• Ngā Tauira Māori: Māori students' association at the University of Auckland, formally affiliated with AUSA through its two Māori Students Officers who hold full speaking and voting rights at AUSA Executive meetings. Ecosystem partner rather than competitor — directly co-governs the Hineahuone Māori hub.

Emerging players

• AUPISA (Auckland University Pacific Island Students' Association): Pacific student body at the University of Auckland with formal voting representation on the AUSA Executive and reciprocal rights on AUPISA's board. Adjacent peer focused on a specific cultural constituency and co-manages the O Lagi Atea Moana Cultural Space with AUSA.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/AUSAStudents
• Instagraminstagram.com/ausa.uoa
• Xx.com/ausastudents

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AUSA