Once again, as it does each year, the argument surrounding whether or not NZUSA is of any value has reared its ugly little head, with approximately two percent of the student population giving a shit.
It has come to the fore this week after the Auckland University Student Association announced its notice to withdraw from NZUSA.
AUSA made its decision on the basis of a review their executive undertook. Whilst they understand the importance of a national student voice they don’t currently feel that the service is worth their substantial levy. They believe that there is a great need for better levels of organisation and communication, including better consultation with members. So it begs the question: are we here at Otago getting our bang for our buck?
Conveniently, just the other week our news editor Joe “recently vegan, tell a friend” Higham quizzed NZUSA President Linsey Higgins about what the national organisation had brought to our student body here in the south.
After a bit of a pause, Higgins commented that the Union had held training days for presidents across the country, launched a successful Thursdays in Black campaign, and held a national day to highlight student debt hitting $15 billion (ironically, their fees add to our debt). These of course are all fantastic initiatives, but are these really initiatives worth the fee paid each year by students? Is there even a need for a national president?
Why not instead adopt a system in which all presidents from all associations form a committee, rotating the role of President or Chair of the committee every month, similar to the United Nations Security Council which rotates the President of the council each month. The president of the month would be tasked with agenda setting, presiding over any meetings, and would be the voice of the committee issuing statements subject to consesus from members of the committee.
Presidents would remain fresh and bring a varied array of ideas to the fore while money that would be spent on membership fees could be spent on funding local advocacy group who are doing good in our own backyard. Groups such as Generation Zero, Choose Kids, or Ignite, for example.
For students in New Zealand a national voice is incredibly important. At the current moment students right across the nation face growing debt and living costs. However, as it stands, the left-leaning NZUSA seem to be stonewalled by this National government, whining in the corner yet unable to provide tangible solutions. Perhaps a broader approach could be the answer?
Hugh Baird
Critic Editor