Rate My Professor Amber Kalinowski

Amber Kalinowski has worked professionally in education, addiction, and whānau settings, consistently placing young people at the center of her mahi. Her counselling philosophy is firmly grounded in social justice, social construction—including the messages imparted by society—and the transformative power of narrative. At the University of Otago, she delivers free, confidential counselling and guidance services tailored to tauira Māori students. She creates a relaxed, supportive environment for kōrero, laughter, and tangi, recognizing the dual nature of university life as both terrifyingly exciting—filled with potential, new experiences, learning, and relationships—and challenging, particularly when distant from whānau and whenua. Through her role, she and her colleagues at the Māori Centre strive to serve as whānau away from home. Her office is situated in room G04 at 515 Castle Street North, Dunedin, with direct dial +64 3 479 8300 or +64 3 479 8283.