For a long time, OUSA has been relatively apolitical in practice, on campus and in our strategic direction. However, over the last year, we have seen this idea begin to overturn. Seeds of political discourse internally, as well as better engagement with student politics, have grown into a more solid internal agreement that OUSA is failing to deliver politically for students of campus.
There are many reading this who will already agree, but for those who do not; OUSA as a union is inherently political. Free breakfast and cheap lunches/dinners? Political. Democratically electing representatives to advocate for student needs? Political. Sustaining student journalism and independent investigative media? Political.
On top of this, we do not owe anyone institutional neutrality. What we do owe is better representation, stronger voices and cohesive political action on behalf of and with students.
Coming up this semester is an OUSA Student General Meeting, Executive Elections, and an Annual General Meeting. We are also hosting enrolments to vote, and a party leaders debate for the national election. OUSA endorses candidates and policies that benefit students, like paid placements, independent student unions and universal student allowance. This semester is a chance for students of campus to help us achieve even the smallest cultural shift towards better engagement in student and national politics.
For those who disagree with what OUSA politically endorses (as mentioned above), feel free to let us know. Similarly, if you feel we don’t go far enough, I would love to hear more. Email yours truly @adminvp@ousa.org.nz, or Flynn @political@ousa.org.nz, or our one and only Daniel Leamy @president@ousa.org.nz.
