Features

Francisco Hernandez

Blurb

Politics should be about making a difference. I’m running for President because I’ve got a proven record of making a difference for students as OUSA Welfare Officer.

STOPPING THE LIQUOR BAN
. At the start of the year, I fought the Uni and the DCC to stop the liquor ban. Having collected nearly 5000 signatures, the Uni and DCC were forced to negotiate with OUSA actual effective ways to reduce the harm from alcohol for both students and the wider community. As President, I’ll bring in effective alcohol harm reduction initiatives through education campaigns and other practical measures such as a glass ban.

CLEAN GREEN OTAGO UNI
. I kept my promise on working for a greener campus. We’ve got more recycling on campus and we’ve now got a paid OUSA Environmental Officer who I’ve been proud to work with on OUSA’s first Environment Week.. As President, I’ll work with the Uni to produce a timetable to phase out lignite, and assist Generation Zero with their Carbon Neutral Campus campaign.

MORE STUDENT SERVICES
I delivered on my promise of $3 Dinner. I’m proud to thank the thousands of students who have all supported the scheme and all the volunteers/staff who have assisted. . As President, I’ll continue to bring in more OUSA Services such as $10 Airport Shuttles, $3 Dinner, $2 Coffees, $1 Breakfast. I’ll also bring in upgrades for common areas for students and fully cater them with free microwaves, electric kettles and phones.

FIXING STUDYLINK. 
We all know Studylink is shit. But so far there’s been no research done to prove it. Under my leadership, the Education Committee conducted an investigation which exposed what we all knew in the first place - Studylink’s shocking waiting times and less than satisfactory customer service which reduce access to education. As President, I’ll lobby to cut Studylink waiting times, improve their customer service and vigorously oppose policies that cut access to education.

SUPPORT FOR CHRISTCHURCH AND WELLINGTON. 
For too long, our brother and sister scarfies in our satellite campuses in places such as Wellington and Christchurch have been ignored. I was the first OUSA Executive member to visit Wellington and Christchurch to talk to our students and find out what they want. I secured funding for the WMSA and the CMSA. I’ll build on this relationship to make sure that our students get equal level of access to support and services - wherever they are.

Let me keep making a difference for you.

Vote Francisco Hernandez for President.

Interview

Francisco is a 4th year student studying for a Masters of Entrepreneurship, after graduating with a BA(Hons) in Politics. He hails from a tiny village in the Philippines. “It was more scarfie than Dunedin because there was no running water, there was a well in the ground we had to get water out of.”

After serving as Welfare Officer for two years, as well as two unsuccessful bids for President, Fran believes he’s finally ready to make the step up. “I’ve made a difference this year and I’d like to keep making a difference”. He cites several achievements he’s been involved with, including the campaign against the liquor ban, support for Otago students studying in Christchurch and Wellington, the $3 dinners program, and negotiating funding from the University.

Fran’s three main policies are: 1) More engagement with students in the local community. 2) Affordable food on campus – he intends to deal with this via the continuation of $3 dinners, as well as $2 coffees and $1 breakfasts. 3) Better flats for students – he aims to start an OUSA-run website “Rateourflats.co.nz” to tackle this issue.

If he was faced with a political issue not directly relevant to students, such as asset sales, Fran would proactively take the issue to students in a referendum.

Ryan Edgar

Blurb

Hey, Ryan Edgar here, I’m taking a shot at the top, and I need your help to get there. I’ll start by apologising, I always said I couldn’t see myself running for President, principally because didn’t want to be ‘that guy’ trying to be the next Logan Edgar, but after some long contemplation I thought feck it, we’re different people, and with me as president I could make some big waves.

I’ll start by tackling the big issues. Now some may call us ‘Scarfies’ but I like to think of us as cultural ambassadors, and I’ll be damned if I let the big wigs take the best of our unique student culture. We’ve lost Gardies, we’ve lost the Toga parade, we’ve lost the bowler, and for some reason I even find myself sad not to have a bunch of Bogans from Chch filling the streets in the form of the undie500. Some of the greatest pieces of Scarfie culture are in jeopardy, Hyde Street Keg party, the Cook Bar and Tavern, or even the right to walk open to your neighbour’s flat with an open drink, it’ll be like living in a hall all over again! With me as your president I’ll ensure these testaments to our culture remain in place.

I’ve been sitting on this one for a while now, and I know when posed to the public it has about as much sex appeal as the old ‘Transparency’ promise that pops up every election, but if there is anything I’m sure of it’s this. We at OUSA need a complete informational overhaul. We have small and very effective information cannels but the bottom line is OUSA hosts an absolute abundance of amazing events, clubs, courses, services that if you hit the street as I have you’d come to realise that a massive proportion really don’t fully understand the range of services offered to them. I regularly run into 2nd, 3rd, 4th year students who have no idea what Clubs and Socs (OUSA’s largest asset) even is. In my eyes this one has been a long time coming, confuses me as to why it has been yet to come up.

I touched on it above, the big one, the Cook. The Canterbury Student’s association owns and operates a very successful bar, and as far as I can see we are in just as good a position if not better to do the same. Imagine a world where you could buy a crunchy jug of Cook beer and know those profits are going back to you. The prospect makes me feel just a little bit funny in the pants!!

There it is, my campaign promises to you, vote Ryan Edgar for OUSA President, the people’s President.

Interview

Ryan is a 2nd student from Te Anau, studying Psychology and Commerce, and majoring in Finance. He looks very similar to Christian Bale.

Ryan did not originally intend to run for President after his brother Logan finished: “I always said I wouldn’t, because I didn’t want to be seen as the next Logan. But now I’m the only one who’s not trying to be the next Logan. I think I could do a lot of good in this position.”

His three main policies are: 1) Preserving the best parts of student culture, such as keg parties and the ability to drink outside one’s flat. 2) Giving OUSA an informational overhaul – “50% of students have very little knowledge of what OUSA does, and 30% don’t even know what Clubs & Socs is, which is our biggest asset. 3) Buying and running the Cook or Refuel.

Ryan would not look to take OUSA in an overtly political direction: “There’s enough diversity in the students that we really should remain as neutral as possible unless given an agenda to do so. With asset sales, I don’t think enough students give a shit. But if a referendum said otherwise, I’d support that result.”

Caleb Wicks

Blurb

Hello my name is Caleb Wicks; I am running for President of OUSA. Working closely with OUSA over the last few years I am in a position to notice the changes that occur in the organisation, and over the past months I have been relatively unimpressed. I have noticed a lack of action from the executive. I believe that if I am voted in to be the OUSA president then I will not follow in this habit of inaction and I will actively help to improve the situation for all students.

In my campaign trail the main question that I have been asked is: Why should we vote you for OUSA President?

I have worked closely with many departments of OUSA and I feel that I am aware of the issues facing the different departments and OUSA as a whole. Having lived in Dunedin for the majority of my life, apart from a few years in Middle East, it is inevitable that I spent a great amount of time around the students and the University, so I know what is needed to make a successful OUSA. I also will have a fresh yet still experienced perspective on OUSA.

This is all well and good, but I guess you are wondering what my policies are. For starters I want OUSA to be politically active in regards to issues facing students such as Universal Student Allowances and the changes being made to student loans. I also believe that many of the facilities that are available to students are not up to par and for these reasons if I become OUSA president I will enter into talks with the University to increase internet speeds throughout university and to create more communal areas that have access to microwaves and kettles. I also believe that the Hyde Street Keg Party should be kept going and maybe add more parties during the year. This is because many students don’t feel OUSA does much for them, our active involvement in making the uni experience great I something that benefits us all. As well as this, I want to look into a sustainable campus and into a post-grad O week.

There are many things that affect students, from new university policies, to cuts, and even disputes within/about the flat… I will actively work to make sure that you know OUSA can give you a hand. But only if you vote me in ;).

Interview

Caleb is a 3rd year student studying for a BA, majoring in Politics and Philosophy. He comes from North East Valley in Dunedin.

Caleb has been involved with OUSA for seven years, since the age of 13. For the last four years, he has worked at Clubs & Socs, Radio One, and contributed articles to Critic. Even his mother has been involved with OUSA. He jokes: “It’s a family tradition. It was inevitable that we would eventually take over and make a bid for power.”

He is running for President because “not much has been happening at OUSA in the last year. I saw who was running – Dan Stride, Fran – people who have been in there before and are not willing to do anything. I’ve been living in Dunedin so long that I know a bit about it.”

His three main policies are: 1) Keeping the Hyde Street Keg Party going. 2) Making OUSA more politically active, including on issues that aren’t directly related to students, like asset sales. 3) Moving towards a sustainable campus, although he notes “Getting rid of lignite might increase costs for students in halls, so it would be good to see what options we have.”

He is concerned about changes to student loan repayment rates and student allowances, as well as the negative feelings towards students shown by local businesses. He wants to improve the image of students. “Give your ticks to Caleb Wicks”.

Zac Gawn

Blurb

The OUSA is an organisation that is shrouded in mist. One that not many students know a lot about. This is reflected by less than 20% voting turnouts at elections and needs to change. Through the course of the last decade, students across the world have become less politically active and students of Otago are amongst the best at being "anti-political". This not only ends at voting for their OUSA representatives but also with issues on a national level as well as things like fee increases. I feel the student association should not take the easy road out by not actively support national issues. It is weak. University students are in a privileged position. A position with the insight and ability to bring around change. A privilege that should not be wasted by not utilising the voice that is OUSA. With more information and involvement as well as throwing the issues at the students we will see higher interest, both for political issues as well as ones on campus.

The work of the current executives has allowed the student association to stay alive even through the passing of the VSM bill. Now with 20,000 members, the OUSA must accommodate and involve them like never before. The furthering and developing of a "campus community" will see a Uni where students share a common culture and would only make their time at Otago University more enjoyable.

In the rumour mill we have seen ideas like OUSA buying out The Cook. Not a bad rumour, and if there were any truth to it I would see it as a positive move from the student association. A place run by students for students would be an ideal start to bringing our "community" together. The creating of establishments where students can have their fun is also a win against the proposed liquor ban. An objective by the DCC that must be curbed before this segregation gets taken further. There are alternatives that will be sought instead under my leadership at OUSA.

I would like to highlight more of my proposals but unfortunately have run out of space. Check out my manifesto and ask me some questions on www.facebook.com/OUSApresident. Other proposals include, supporting the need for minimum rental house standards as well as thoughts on increasing the OUSA, Uni and DCC relationship. Feel free to drop us some questions on 021447796…call me maybe?

Interview

Zac is a 3rd year student from Wellington, studying toward a BA, and majoring in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

He is running for President because of “student political apathy”. He says “the position the current OUSA exec have taken by not actively opposing or supporting supposed non-student issues is weak. Students are in a position of privilege, which OUSA is squandering by not utilising the voice we have.”

His three main policies are: Increasing student involvement, continuing the fight against the liquor ban and other threats to scarfie culture, and supporting Green MP Holly Walker’s work in implementing minimum rental standards.

Zac would actively take political issues to students. He believes that the media has unfairly maligned asset sales – “NZ needs to sell some assets to continue funding education, hospitals …” – and that students would support asset sales if they had enough information. On the other hand, he is concerned about increasing university fees. In both cases, he would poll students and support the result “so long as the students were well-educated on the issue”.

Zac enjoys the Otago culture: “That’s why I came down here. We can’t let the uni or DCC erode that culture.”

Daniel Stride

Blurb

Hi, I’m Dan. OUSA faces some significant challenges in 2013, and I’m running because I have the dedication, sincerity, and experience to lead this organisation through the troubled times ahead. I have the most Executive experience of any candidate, serving as Clubs and Societies’ Representative in 2009-2010, and Finance and Services Officer in 2011, during which time I had a track record of getting things done: whether it be helping save the Community Law Centre, keeping OUSA opposed to increased student fees, or helping students get home from gigs at 5 a.m., I believe in doing the hard yards, and putting students first. As a former FSO, I’m also aware of OUSA’s financial vulnerability in a VSM environment, and as such believe fiscal responsibility is more important than cheap gimmicks.

The most important issues facing students today come from Wellington: the Government has been tightening the screws on loans and allowances. With student debt now over $12.5 billion, and the Government now considering kicking student reps off University Council (they’ve already done it to the Polytechnics), now more than ever we need OUSA to get off its arse, and start putting these issues out into the public arena. I also consider it vital to restore avenues for interested students to get involved: there are many students out there who want a voice on loans and allowances, but the current system gives them few opportunities.

Then there is the proposed liquor ban. I believe in pushing for a consensus that will enable students to enjoy themselves in a safe environment, while also preserving the best of Dunedin’s unique scarfie culture. 2013 happens to be Local Elections year, so this will be the ideal time to put our case to the DCC – but only if OUSA educates its members about the importance of those elections.

I also consider it critical that OUSA lobby for better enforcement of minimum flat standards (too many landlords get away with breaching obligations), and would like to see students subsidised for weekend visits to the Emergency Doctors (when Student Health isn’t open). Other initiatives I support include more bottle buy-backs to promote recycling, the retention of $3 dinners as fundraisers for Clubs, and an online database of study groups (especially for LAWS101 and First Year Health Science). And bring back science and health-science representation on the OUSA Executive!

For competence, compassion, and courage, vote Dan for President.

Interview

Daniel has lived in Dunedin for about a decade. Having completed a double honours degree in history and maths, he is now in his 3rd year of a law degree.

He is running for President “because I believe OUSA has challenges ahead of it, and I have the experience, dedication and determination to do something about it.” He has served over two years on the exec, and points to achievements such as helping to save the Community Law Centre in 2009. He has extensive knowledge of OUSA’s constitution and policies.

Daniel is concerned about the availability of student loans and allowances, and says OUSA has been “weak” in not protesting against the government’s changes, for example when Education Minister Hekia Parata gave an interview outside the clock tower this year.

His three main policies are to have a more active OUSA, to preserve scarfie culture and oppose the liquor ban, and to restore science and health science representation to the executive “to make it reflect the student population”.

Daniel wants to take OUSA in a more political direction. “OUSA shouldn’t be involved with purely student issues. Asset sales is an important issue for the community, OUSA should have an opinion on it.”

He says the Presidency is a tough role, with 60 hour working weeks. “It’s not about gimmicks and unrealistic promises, it’s about getting things done.”

Sam Sinclair

Blurb

Some of you may know me as Simple Sam, others may know me as the Creepy Janitor from Unipol, and a select few may even recognise me as the ‘Gay Butler’. But now, ladies and gentlemen, the time has come for me to assume the position as OUSA president.

Hailing from a small country town in Otago, (names won’t be used as this may be detrimental to my campaign) I have been reared on that classic ‘Kiwi ingenuity’ which we all love. From this small town I expanded my quest for knowledge to Dunedin, where I saw out my schooling days. To the present day now, I’m at the ripe ol’ age of 19 and balls deep in second year PE, looking to move into a career of teaching (or back to being a lumberjack), whatever comes first.

Now at this point, you’re probably asking what qualifications I have that enable me to be a viable candidate for president? Well. Where do I start, I am a widely renowned back up dancer for a group you may be familiar with… LMFAO, also, I have 50+ hours of heart-felt community service under my belt at the local SPCA. Recently I have been promoted to manager and financial director of one of Dunedin’s most successful and illustrious rugby clubs: the Hardmen RFC; not to mention being a proud unicycle enthusiast.

I am admittedly unsure of the relevance of some of these qualifications, as some of the presidential responsibilities are still ‘a little fuzzy,’ but as history has proven, I’m a quick learner and like to see things done properly.

If at this point you’re still considering voting for me, know that I plan on progressing a wireless network into North Dunedin, as well as preserving some of the culture that makes Otago so attractive –yes, I’m talking about Hyde Street. Also, I plan on introducing new inter-faculty events, to promote unity and all that good stuff.

I plan on handling the presidential responsibilities in the same fashion as I would as a janitor. Clean. No fuss. Simply roll up my sleeves and get stuck in.
So vote for Sam Sinclair coz 63% of the time, I get the job done, every time.

Interview

Sam is a 2nd year student from Clinton, South Otago, studying PhysEd. He aims to be a teacher once he graduates.

He is running for president because he is a “people person”, and has been involved with his high school’s exec in the past. “I thought ‘why not take it to the next level and give this a crack’.”

Sam’s three main policies are: 1) Preserving Otago culture, such as the Hyde Street keg party. 2) Introducing more inter-faculty events and competitions to encourage bonding between people studying for different degrees. 3) More hall activities and events, especially dramas and musicals, which would be “a great way for first years to make friends.”

He would not take OUSA in a politically active direction. “I’m not sure students need to get too involved in asset sales, we should try to steer clear of that and focus on internal things.”

He says the biggest issue facing students is that the University could withdraw its funding for OUSA at any time. If elected, he would host a “big blowout demonstration” of OUSA’s recreational services, which would persuade the University to continue funding OUSA.