Candidate Questions – Co-President (Sport & Wellbeing)
As part of the process of applying to be a candidate in the Student Elections 2026, all candidates were asked to answer two questions alongside submitting their manifesto.
The questions they had to answer all related directly to the role they had applied for. This allows voters to see what candidates would do in specific areas if they were elected.
Below you can see how each candidate running for Co-President (Sport & Wellbeing) answered their two questions. Have a read through – it might just help decide who you vote for!
If elected, what would you do to address the issues faced by students around wellbeing?
Abdullah
If elected as Co-President for Sports and Wellbeing, I’d make sure everyone feels supported, included, and genuinely looked after whether that’s through sport, social activity, or just everyday wellbeing. I want to break down the barriers that stop people from getting involved, whether that’s cost, confidence, or time, and make it easier for students to find something that helps them feel good physically and mentally. I’d work to bring sports clubs and wellbeing services closer together so we can build a culture where checking in with each other and asking for support feels normal, not awkward. My goal is simple: make our community stronger, kinder, and healthier for everyone.
Aslan Peplinski
I'd encourage all students to up their sports participation. I have applied that to my life and it has only served positives for my wellbeing.
Austen Brunton
If re-elected, I will continue putting student wellbeing at the centre of ENSA’s work.
One key issue students face is feeling unable to speak openly. I am currently working to have the ENSA Advice Offices properly soundproofed to ensure students have complete privacy and confidentiality when discussing sensitive issues. Everyone deserves to feel safe when asking for support, and I will keep pushing until this is delivered.
Building on initiatives like Feel Fab Feb, I will continue promoting proactive, visible wellbeing campaigns that are positive, accessible, and community-driven. Wellbeing should be embedded across sport and student life year-round, not just addressed in moments of crisis.
Through Let’s Talk About Consent, I have started important conversations around culture, respect, and accountability in sports clubs. If re-elected, I will expand this work to help create safer, more inclusive environments. Alongside this, following the success of Movember, I will continue championing mental health initiatives that bring students together and reduce stigma.
Wellbeing is not a side project, it is a priority.
Laura Johnstone
I would organise student led campaigns to raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing, sharing stories of different people and giving advice on how best do deal with problems the student population may be facing. I would also attempt to run workshops or drop in sessions to allow people to do creative activities etc... or simply talk to people who can help shed light around wellbeing at university.
Naga Harinadh
If elected, I would prioritise student wellbeing by promoting a healthy balance between academics, sports, and personal life. I would work to improve access to wellbeing resources, encourage inclusive and low-pressure sporting opportunities, and create more open spaces for students to share concerns. By listening to student feedback and working closely with relevant teams, I would aim to foster a supportive and positive environment for all students.
If elected, how would you work with student sports clubs?
Abdullah
If elected, I’d work with student sports clubs by being present, listening to what *you* actually need, and being someone you can talk to openly. I’d meet with club leaders regularly to understand what’s going well and what’s holding you back, whether that’s funding, facilities, or support for members’ wellbeing. I’d make sure you have a clear connection to the Students’ Union and wellbeing services so accessing help and resources feels easy, not frustrating. And most importantly, I’d champion your voices celebrating your wins, supporting you through challenges, and working with you to make sport a space where everyone feels included, supported, and part of something positive.
Aslan Peplinski
I'd contact every single sports club at Napier and set up consistent meetings with them in order to discuss a variety of issues.
Austen Brunton
I believe clubs thrive when they feel heard, supported, and genuinely valued. That is the environment I want to keep building. For me, it starts with clear, regular communication and being visible, approachable, and easy to reach. Whether it is email, Teams, or WhatsApp, I want committees to know I am always just a message away for advice, support, or advocacy.
My role is not to dictate. It is to listen. I want to understand what matters to each club, represent them accurately, and help turn their ideas into action. Every club is different, and taking the time to get to know each committee properly makes a real difference.
I also want to create more spaces for club leaders to share challenges and solutions with one another. When committees connect, it builds collaboration instead of competition and strengthens our shared sense of success.
Transparency matters to me. Whether it is funding, facilities, or university decisions, I will make sure clubs understand what is happening, why it is happening, and how they can influence it.
I will continue sending weekly updates so committees stay informed about what is going on and what I am working on. Keeping communication open helps everyone feel involved.
Most importantly, I want to be proactive. I want to spot issues early, support smooth handovers, and help student leaders feel confident in their roles.
Above all, my door will always be open. Whether it is a challenge, an idea, or just a chat, I want students to feel comfortable coming to me at any time.
Laura Johnstone
I would create events and competitions for clubs to meet up and get to know one another, talk to committee members to see if they have any changes or ideas they would like to bring up, as well as prioritising community building.
Naga Harinadh
If elected, I would work closely with student sports clubs by maintaining regular communication, actively listening to their needs, and advocating for their interests. I would support clubs in addressing challenges, improving participation, and ensuring all students feel welcomed and supported. My goal would be to strengthen collaboration and inclusive sporting environment.
So what’s next?
Now that you have read through how the candidates have responded to the role questions, it’s time to decide who you want to vote for as Napier’s next Co-President (Sport & Wellbeing).
Head to www.napierstudents.com/elections to find out more about all the candidates for all three roles, read their manifestos and make your decision.
Voting will be open from Monday 9 March (8am) to Thursday 12 March (3pm). It takes only a couple of minutes to vote, and you could win an amazing prize in our lucky draw!