Phoebe Robertson

New ADHD rules were supposed to broaden access to diagnosis. But Te Herenga Waka’s planned free assessment pathway never opened, private assessments still cost around $1000 or more, and publicly funded care remains limited. Salient investigates the gap—and the student market in prescription stimulants growing around it. In several Signal group chats shown to Salient, prescription ADHD stimulants are advertised with the casual shorthand of any other student-marketplace sale.

Students who started university in 2024 and are graduating this year probably don’t know this, but you’re not really supposed to have the same Salient editor for three years. The last person to edit the magazine for more than one year did so in 2000 and 2001. So, yes, it has been a while. And, thanks to a slightly strange series of circumstances that brought me back to the job in 2025, you very nearly got rid of me.

The Welfare Vice-President advocates for student wellbeing and support, with a focus on issues including financial hardship, housing, health, equity and access to education. This year, Pyper Adams, Sasha Boyce and Katie Townsend are contesting the role. Salient asked each candidate questions tailored to the promises they have made during their campaigns, which you can read below. Candidate: Katie Townsend Of food, housing, and health, which would you prioritise first, and why?