Get to know your MDS Student Executive team!
If you have any questions or ideas that you'd like to share with the Student Exec, email mdsstudentexecutive@gmail.com and put the relevant member's title in the subject line.
Jack Reckin, Social & Engagement Executive
Hey guys, I'm Jack Reckin, I'm almost in my third year of Bachelor of Creative Technologies (as of July) and I am the current Social & Engagement Executive! My goal is to be the general bridge between students and campus engagement, as well as I often lead any general activities and events in their planning. I am also the go to guy for if you want to make an official club, we like to fully support and help run club days when needed. If you have any general campus questions, ideas for activities or anything else, I'm always around on discord, and if you're lucky enough you might even catch me during one of my days on campus.
Tahryn Smith-Codling, Online Executive
Salutations~ My name is Tahryn Smith-Codling and I'm a Second year Bachelor of Creative Technologies student and the online student executive. As the online student executive my main responsibility is to advocate for online students and ensure that our voices are heard. I help set up events and initiatives catered towards online learning and am here if you need any help, have suggestions, queries or just want to chat. You can always reach out to me via Discord (antqs) as I have no life and am always on there. So feel free to flick me a message.
Josephine Tahapehi, Māori Executive
Kia ora, my name is Josephine Tahapehi, and I am a 2nd year student in Bachelor of Media Design, majoring in Graphics and as well in the role of Māori Student Executive. My role as Student Executive is to be the voice for our students here at MDS. Whether that is regarding to your academics or well-being. But in terms of a Māori Student Executive, you can always come up to me in concerns to Te Ao Māori - History, Lifestyle, or the culture in general. I am always keen to be here for anyone and everyone and always ready to give things a go.
Alyssa Henderson, Pasifika Executive
Talofa, my name is Alyssa and I’m the Pasifika Executive. I am a 2nd year BMD student majoring in Graphic Design. In my spare time I’m usually hanging out with my friends and family. I love music and exploring my moods through music. As the Pasifika Executive I am here to listen to students' suggestions and create a safe space where we can feel comfortable. I’m always open to help out and give advice when needed. Thanks heaps 💗
Josh Caldwell, Diversity Executive
Heya, my name is Josh Caldwell, and I will be your Diversity Executive for this year. A little about me; I am a third year BMD student, I like crystals, video games, and being really cool. A little bit about what encompasses my role; basically if you're a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am your representative. I host Queer Voices, help manage the QV discord server, attend Rainbow Committee meetings, and try my very best to make MDS, both on campus and online, as safe and as exciting a space as possible for everyone! You can find me in most MDS discord servers and around on campus most days if you ever need me for anything, I will always be happy to listen to any feedback or concerns anyone has, so please don't be shy to reach out.
Michael Allred, Academic Executive
Hi I’m Michael Allred the Academic Executive for this year, studying 3D Animation and VFX (BOAD). In my spare-time I like to cook, paint with watercolors and watch movies. I am responsible for making sure the Student Voice is heard and it’s feedback is relayed throughout the school. Thanks.
Gurleen Kaur, International Executive
I am Gurleen, the international student executive of Media Design School. I am studying in year 2, BMD. I moved to New Zealand in July 2022, and it's been a crazy journey since then. I remember when I first moved here, it took me a few months to get used to the city and the biggest culture shock for me was that almost all the shops close before 6pm and that everyone eats dinner around 7. The one thing I felt missing was people, whom I could talk to who would relate to what I was feeling. With that motive and an intention to create an international student's community at Media Design School, I decided to apply for the role. And here I am. I am really excited to meet all of you and I want to initiate a space where all of us can be there for each other as we are all away from our families, friends and home. I really want to create a feeling of home away from home with all of you ❤️