Nau mai, haere ma – whether you’re stepping onto campus for the first time or back for another year, welcome to Otago!
I hope you’ve had a chance to recharge over the break, because what’s ahead is everything that makes student life special – long nights, great memories, and, let’s be honest, a bit of study squeezed in when you can.
For those who don’t know me yet, I’m Liam, your OUSA President for 2025.Now, I could tell you all about myself, but that’s not why you’re here. Instead, I want to talk about you, and the things that will shape your experience, and our work, this year.
Over the past few months, the OUSA Executive has been working hard to make sure we hit the ground running. O-Week was huge, and a massive thank you goes to everyone who made it happen. This year, the Exec stepped out from behind the BBQ and into the crowd, handing out thousands of Arnott’s Treatles (because free snacks are a student’s love language), but more importantly, we listened.
And what we heard, loud and clear, was that students want action on five big issues:
- The Cost of Living – No surprises here, it all adds up. Students are feeling the squeeze. Getting a degree shouldn’t mean scraping by.
- Student Culture – The student experience is more than just lectures. Whether it’s student bars, live music or the traditions that make Otago unique, students want a culture that works for them, not against them.
- Student Welfare – Whether it’s mental health support, making sure no one falls through the cracks, and working towards a safe walk home for everyone. Wellbeing at university shouldn’t be a privilege, but instead a right.
- Student Housing – The Dunedin flatting experience is legendary, but that doesn’t mean it should involve ice on the inside of your windows. Warm, dry, affordable housing shouldn’t be too much to ask.
- Education Accessibility – Everyone deserves a fair shot at their education – whether that means financial support, better academic resources or breaking down barriers that hold students back.
Now, Here’s the Challenge.
It’s easy to talk about what’s wrong. But this year, we’re not just here to talk.
For too long, there’s been this awkward "will they, won’t they" dynamic between OUSA and students. That stops now. If we all agree these are the big issues, then the only way we make progress is by working together.
So here’s the deal: this Executive is here to fight for students. But real change happens when you get involved, when you speak up, when we stand as one. Because when students mobilise, things move.
So let’s make this a year of action. Let’s make student voices impossible to ignore.
Kia kaha – let’s get to work.
Liam White
OUSA President