Rate My Professor Esther Valmadre

Esther Valmadre serves as Student Engagement Co-ordinator at Te Whare Tāwharau, the Sexual Violence Support and Prevention Centre within Student Services at the University of Otago, located at 63 Clyde Street, North Dunedin, Dunedin 9016. Te Whare Tāwharau is the first centre of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand, dedicated to providing support, advocacy, education, and community engagement for students and staff affected by sexual harm and intimate partner violence. The centre offers drop-in services during walk-in hours from Monday to Friday, 10:00am to 3:00pm, acting as a place of shelter and a connector to campus resources such as Student Health, Disability Information and Support, and the Proctor's office. It conducts prevention education through workshops on topics including respectful relationships, consent, bystander intervention, and responding to disclosures. The centre follows a survivor-led, student-oriented approach, with services available for recent or historical incidents and for supporters of those affected.

Esther Valmadre co-presented with Hahna Briggs, Manager of Te Whare Tāwharau, on 'From Protest to Practice: The Evolution of Te Whare Tāwharau' at the ANZSSA 2025 pre-conference symposium on October 31 from 1:00pm to 1:25pm in Regatta A, affiliated with University of Otago. In addition, as Divisional Services Administrator, she contributed to the University's sustainability initiatives through the e-rescue programme. Esther organized staff sales of repurposed outdated IT equipment, including one at Te Oraka—the student-run space described by her as the perfect venue post-semester—and a pop-up shop at the Plaza building during staff hot-desking periods. These efforts successfully reduced e-waste, with proceeds funnelled back to Te Oraka to sustain the space, build community connections across groups, and fund wages and events for Tētēkura Student Leads, such as a gardens coordinator and sustainability neighbourhoods roles. Her contact details are DDI +64 3 556 6060 and mobile +64 21 279 0802.