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In the spirit of informed decision making, Critic asked all ten of our candidates (who are vying for eight of the ten exec positions on offer) to tell us why we should give them our vote. There are two uncontested positions, which means that there will be some empty seats in next year’s boardroom.

President
Daniel F Benson-Guiu
Nominated by: Jefferson Kinghorn
Seconded by: Rebecca Bradley
Since 1890, OUSA has provided representation, services and entertainment to students. If VSM goes through, all these will be threatened.
Regardless of VSM, however, the President and the Executive of OUSA have to prove OUSA is still important and relevant to students, especially in the current climate of apathy. The Exec as a whole will have to prove it can lead the student body with vision, for the benefit of the whole.
To do so I plan to lead an executive that will be more transparent and informative. Part of the reason for apathy is a lack of information. By using its communication arms more effectively, as well as social media, OUSA will be able to reach more students and this way be more representative and democratic.
OUSA has to start addressing real issues such as high fees, departmental and staff cuts and terrible living conditions. This is my goal.
 
Logan Edgar
Nominated by: Angus McDonald
Seconded by: Lozz Holding
Kia Ora, Serious yarn time guys, gather round.
For the past six months I have been your OUSA President thanks to a grand showing of some serious Scarfie power in the polls. Big up yoself. You may now know that I am up for re-election for 2012 and heck, I would really love your vote. Since gaining power I have been the most politically active president in the last ten years, shown through the likes of my protesting the shit out of this VSM thing. You need a president who isn’t going to have to spend the first six months learning what V.S.M stands for. Most importantly you need a president who you can relate to and who is genuinely interested in what is best for all students and as president will do his all to make this happen. You need Edgar. I beg you to support one of your own, bless your beautiful sweet gorgeous souls. Heck, I would sharn the arse end out of these other show pony candidates any day. Just imagine the state of Critic if there was a new leader with the personality of Helen Clark’s penis. There would be no more stand up and presidential pratterings would have the chat quality of Shortland Street’s script, and that show is fucking shit.
 
Administrative Vice President
Art Kojarunchitt
Nominated by: Logan Edgar
Seconded by: Francisco Hernandez
In 2012, VSM is coming to OUSA. OUSA need someone with experience to be able to help this organisation though this. I think I am the best candidate for OUSA Admin VP, to help OUSA settle into a voluntary membership environment. I have been on the exec for 3 years now as the International Students Representative, putting on lots of different events and improving the student experience for international experience during these three years. I am confident that I have learned a lot and am ready to step up to use that experience to help OUSA settle into this new environment. My experience and integrity will serve OUSA well in the future.
 
 
 
Finance and Services Officer
Ryan Edgar
Nominated by: Logan Edgar
Seconded by: Lozz Holding
Hello fellow students, good to see you. My name’s Ryan Edgar and it would be my honour to represent you as the OUSA finance and services officer. “Hey, is that Logan’s brother?” Yes, he and I did share a womb (not simultaneously, I’m his younger brother). I believe I would be the right candidate for this position as I am an enthusiastic commerce and psychology student who enjoys actively meeting, interacting and cooperating with others. I understand what students want, which isn’t always a quiet night in studying and playing internet backgammon with a 40-year old from the Ukraine. If you see me around come have a yarn and I’ll explain why I believe I am the right candidate for the job. So please, vote Ryan, not just because I’m Logan’s brother; but for what I can bring to the OUSA…Or if you really want; just because I’m Logan’s brother, cheers!
 
Dan Stride
Nominated by: Nicky Thomas
Seconded: Angela Loosli
Kia Ora. OUSA faces some tough challenges next year should the despicable VSM Bill become law: it will need someone who knows how the administrative machine works, and how to keep the place functioning on a week-to-week basis. Having two and a half years Executive experience, both as Clubs Representative and as Finance and Services Officer, I know my way around policy (I’ve written a fair amount of it), the Constitution, and the Budget, and am under no illusions as to the difficulty of the road ahead. In particular, a number of things need to happen: OUSA needs to achieve a sustainable level of spending (the interest off our cash reserves is our lifeblood under VSM), restore Executive oversight of Committee lines to ensure quality of expenditure and accountability, and remember that OUSA is a Students’ Association, not a business. Vote Dan for competence: this election is too damn important.
 
Education Officer
Aaspreet Boparai
Nominated by: Logan Edgar
Seconded by: Lozz Holding
Hi, I am Aaspreet Boparai, and I am the candidate for Education Officer 2012. I am sure that our aims coincide - we are all here to obtain education that will teach us how to make the world a slightly better place. If you empower me with your trust, we will start from solving local problems and making our university a little better place. I will ensure that any issues you have are taken forward to be dealt with as I will be representing you on many university committees including University Senate, Summer School, Board of Undergraduate Studies and many more. I will speak on behalf of YOU to explain YOUR issues/concerns and/or suggest ideas for improvement as well as discuss strategic, high-level issues related to academic requirements of the programs. I possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, organizational and planning skills, reasoning and problem solving skills, interpersonal skills, and most importantly the commitment to participate in meetings to represent YOU and devoting time towards this role. A vote for Aaspreet, is a vote for YOU!
 
Welfare Officer
Francisco Hernandez
Nominated by: Logan Edgar
Seconded by: Art Kojarunchitt
Hello. My name is Francisco Hernandez. I'm running for welfare... Prepare to vote.  I’ve been with the exec for a year now, working hard for students. This year I helped start up the Free Box, which is nearly as cool as the name sounds. You put stuff in the box you don't want, and take out stuff you do, brilliant! Like you, I'm pissed about the state of the internet at uni and I'll continue OUSA's lobbying to get them to fix it ASAP. I’m ready to work without training wheels next year to help students with lots more cool ideas, like ‘flatbook’, a way for you to suss out what flats are like before you sign on the line. So if you want someone who knows the ropes, who's been in the trenches all year working for you, and keen to keep working - Vote Fran for Welfare. (fran4ousa.blogspot.com)
 
Caleb Wicks
Nominated by: Sundance Deighton-O’ Flynn
Seconded by: Daniel Benson-Guiu
A wise man once said, “With great power comes great responsibility”. If entrusted with the power of Welfare Officer, I will proudly bear the responsibility of Otago student welfare. I’ve been involved with OUSA for many years, and during this time I’ve developed firm relationships within the organisation, and Student Support Centre. As a new candidate, I haven’t been tainted by the routines of the committee, so I can bring a fresh outlook and new ideas into the Exec. If I am elected as Welfare Officer, I will provide fair support to all students, including all of the minority groups. I will work with the Accommodation department to improve their website, and ensure that all flat star-ratings are accurate, along with arranging monthly meetings open to students to enable them to seek legal advice. Vote for new ideas! Vote for your welfare! Vote for Caleb Wicks!
 
Post Graduate Students Portfolio Executive Officer
Victoria Koszowski
Nominated by: Tim Bowen
Seconded by: Francisco Hernandez
Before coming to the University of Otago in 2011, I worked in the pharmaceutical industry as a pharmacovigilance policy writer.  I received my Masters in Bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania, where I was awarded a Global Health Fellowship. This fellowship took me to Ghana, Africa, where I worked for the Ministry of Health. Additionally, I interviewed children with sickle cell disease, their family members, and physicians at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Kumasi. This experience sparked my interest in Global Health. Currently, I am at the University of Otago, working toward my PhD in Bioethics. I believe that the postgraduate community is generally under-represented. As the Postgraduate Students Representative, my focus will be on bringing together postgraduate students in an effort to share information (e.g., promotion of peer groups, networking, advocacy, support, etc.) and ultimately create a more cohesive and engaged postgraduate community.
 
 
International Students Portfolio Executive Officer
Uncontested
 
Campaigns Portfolio Executive Officer
Uncontested
 
Recreation Portfolio Excutive Officer
Daniel F Benson-Guiu
Nominated: James Gluck
Seconded: Sundance Deighton O’Flynn
As Recreations Officer I plan to continue Sarah’s work in creating more interaction amongst the clubs and socs on campus. To do so I will continue the idea of the clubs newsletter, which is sent out to promote and inform clubs and socs users of the range of options.
I will also be available to solve any issues the clubs may have. With the number of clubs around, it is sometimes difficult to accommodate to them all, it will be my task to liaise with the university to find more space.
I have personally been a part of several clubs on campus. It is important for the Recreations Officer to advertise events on campus and the spread of activities one can possibly join in on. To promote clubs as best as possible, I will also try to get clubs to have more of a say in Critic and Radio One.
 
Blake Luff
Nominated by: Logan Edgar
Seconded by: Scott Thomas
My name is Blake Luff, and I’m a 3rd year Physical Education student. I originate from the bussling Central Otago township of Alexandra so I have a strong sense of Otago pride. My sporting interests lie in multisport and adventure racing but I am passionate about most sports and activities, including the arts and culture. I feel that I would be a great asset to OUSA as I am not afraid of putting my opinion forward (hey, I tried to buy Gardies!!!) and putting in the hard yakka to get the end result. With VSM imminent I feel a large part of the job would be to retain the current level of services to the students. :)
 
Colleges & Communication Portfolio
Ryan Edgar
Nominated by: Logan Edgar
Seconded by: Alec Sanders
Holy Christmas! Who is that handsome looking stud running for finance and services officer? I’d give him a go if you know what I mean (give him a go at being finance and services officer that is). Ryan Edgar here, just to clear things up, I am running for both Colleges and Communications and Finances and Services officer as both are positions I am very interested in and would be passionate about, so don’t be shy about voting for both if you decide to make your way to the polls, chur! I am currently living in a hall this year so I can relate to college residents and I know what they want. Let’s be honest; college residents don’t want to be represented by some bald 63 year old who smells of gravy he spilt on woolen jumper at lunch time, they need someone who is friendly, relatable to, approachable and outgoing. Your support would be huge, Cheeeeeers!