Vic uni student president finds balance in Wellington and Hutt

Saturday, 19 April 2025

Swimsuit Cafe on Dixon St is VUWSA president Liban Ali’s favourite place in the city.

After finishing a degree in criminology and being involved in Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association for two years, Liban Ali decided to step into the fulltime role of VUWSA president this year to continue giving back to the student community.

Why did you decide to join VUWSA and become president?

I’ve always had an itch for politics and community building. Ever since I came to university, I thought there has to be something here that I can contribute to. I feel like I wouldn’t have been content if I finished up last year as the welfare vice president. I want to give back to students as much as I can.

What are you hoping to achieve this year?

For the future students that come to university, to make the experiences better than mine. Universities have always knuckled down and done well with the academic side, but less on the student experience – those are the moments that I cherish a lot because those are the core memories that stick. One focus is to get students fully engaged with the local body elections and helping them understand why they vote in the first place, not just to get it done.

Where do you live and why?

I’m born and bred in the Hutt, I grew up in Naenae and still live with my parents. I’ve been doing that for my whole university life. Part of it is cost saving but I’m also very close to my family. I think ever since I started uni, I’ve gotten closer to Wellington. Swimsuit’s my favourite spot without a doubt. They also have a Swimsuit up at Kelburn campus now which is nice because I think it meets the vibes of what young people want from a modern campus – music pumping and whatnot.

How do you commute?

I take the train. People ask if it’s a hassle but it’s not that bad – 30 minutes each way. Living out in the Hutt and having my work life in Wellington is really good to have a work life balance. When I’m on the train back home, I disconnect from everything that is work-related.

What do you like about living in Wellington?

Ali loves the diversity in the Hutt and Wellington and is extroverted but equally enjoys downtime, walking trails in the Hutt Valley.

I love Naenae, it’s a very multicultural working class community. I like Wellington’s inclusivity and the like-minded people who are going to support each other, no matter what.

What do you like to do to unwind?

I'm super extroverted but at the same time, I love being a homebody. I'm very public facing in my role so I love restoring my body, taking some downtime. I love a lot of walks, mainly on the trails out in the Hutt. The Rata St Loop Track is a good one, it basically loops around the whole of Naenae. Also any chance I get to just hang out with the fam, I do.

Perfect Saturday morning?

Wake up at like 9.30am, go down to Trade School Kitchen – it’s a grass roots culinary school – grab a coffee and just chill around Hillary Court. It’s been revitalised ever since the pool opened back in Naenae; you’re seeing more people there.

What would you do if you were mayor for a day?

First and foremost, we’re just going to get on with the Golden Mile, I think it’s an opportunity to show what a pedestrian city looks like, how we can move around the city easier – but there will be car parks.

The public transport prices going up in July will be a nightmare, I think it’s going to hit students very hard. Most university students are able to come out between three to five days out of the week, and that could easily be chopped down to two or one because they won't be able to afford getting to campus. It moves education from a public good to a privilege which I don't like.

Wellingtonian of the year?

I think Tamatha Paul, she was also VUWSA president and I have a really good relationship with her. I think she’s deeply connected to the city.