Category Archives: Our Community

Donate blood with UC!

The University of Canterbury is teamed up with the New Zealand Blood Service to embark on a remarkable journey – the Team Red Challenge! This collaboration allows us to make a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals in need while showcasing our unwavering spirit of giving and community support.

🩸 What is the Team Red Challenge? 🩸
The Team Red Challenge is a unique initiative that encourages organisations like ours to actively participate in blood, plasma, and platelet donations. By becoming part of Team Red, our contributions will be tallied under the University of Canterbury’s name, setting us on a mission to save lives and make a difference.

🏆 How to Participate 🏆
Log in at nzblood.co.nz (or download the app and tap menu)
Click ‘My Team’
In ‘Team Name’ field, search for ‘University of Canterbury’
Click link my donations / join team!
The University of Canterbury is proud to host a Mobile Blood Drive on February 22nd, and March 5th. Be a part of this lifesaving event, where every donation can make a significant impact on someone’s life.

Even if you can’t donate on the day of, all of your past and future donations will come under the University of Canterbury.

Why Donate?
Every donation can save up to three lives.
Blood is vital for surgeries, cancer treatments, and various medical emergencies.
Your gesture of kindness can bring hope and relief to patients and their families.

The NZ Blood Service’s team of medical professionals and volunteers will be on-site to guide you through the donation process. Rest assured, the entire procedure is safe, sterile, and comfortable. Afterward, you’ll receive snacks and refreshments and a heartfelt thank-you.

To ensure the safety of both donors and recipients, please remember the following criteria:
Be in good health and feeling well on the day of donation.
Meet the minimum weight and age requirements (typically 18 years or older, though exceptions apply).
Bring a valid ID or donor card.

Encourage your friends to participate in this noble cause. Let’s unite as a community to make this blood drive a resounding success! #ucnow #ucpeople #wellbeing

Fire in Christchurch’s Port Hills

Kia ora koutou,  

We hope you’re all keeping safe and well following the development of the Port Hills fire yesterday.  

While classes don’t start until next week, it’s important to remember that UC support services are available to you. 

UC Student Care is your support team if you need to talk. The service is free and available to all students whether you’re on campus or a distance learner. Contact the team here> 

If you’re feeling unwell or are experiencing respiratory issues as a result of smoke over the city, please reach out to the team at Te Whare Hauora | UC Health Centre. Contact them here> 

If you are living in a UC hall of residence, there is also support available from your hall staff and Taurima | Residential Advisors. 

Emergency services have been responding to the fire since yesterday afternoon. We’re connected with city authorities and are kept up to date on the situation. You can follow the emergency alerts on: 

Herea tō Waka | Welcome Day will proceed as planned tomorrow, Friday 16 February, and we look forward to welcoming new and returning students to campus ahead of lectures starting on Monday. 

Ngā mihi, 

Gilbert Taurua 
Director Student Wellbeing 

Have you noticed UC’s new website?

UC updated its website at the end of 2023 to give you an improved experience, including better accessibility and user navigation. 

We understand the new website isn’t perfect yet and it will be a change to learn how to navigate around the new structure. But UC Digital Services will continually improve the new website with added functionality and in the long-term, provide you with relevant and personalised web experiences.

What you need to know:

  • Logins have moved: Find your logins on the Current Students pageaccessed from the top line of the new website navigation (see below). ​

If you have any content queries or technical issues, please complete this Service Now request form.