Nominations were open last week for the 2025 OUSA Student Exec. Critic Te Ārohi can reveal that four out of ten of the current OUSA Student Exec (40% for you maths nerds out there) are planning on sticking around next year – either rerunning for their own positions or branching into other roles. Who, you ask? That’s for us to know, and you to find out.
40% is a big jump from the mere 10% in the last elections, one that saw four of the positions won uncontested – including the once-hotly fought over Presidential role (hence The Dictator themed cover of Critic’s subsequent issue announcing Keegan’s reign). But are students sick of the same old? Why are the Exec rerunning and is this a good thing for students? Critic spoke to members of the Exec and the student body they represent for their thoughts.
One (anonymous) Exec member who plans to rerun told Critic Te Ārohi, “I think it's a real testament to the current executive to be honest […] Personally, I'm running again because I think the Exec has started a lot of really good work and I want to try and carry the energy we've brought this year into next year.”
In terms of what students have said about the Exec, one student said, “They’re doing a good job.” Supporting this claim, another student chimed in, “I reckon it’s a good thing. More experience for the next year and they can help teach the new people.” The sentiment isn’t a new one. Turnover in the Exec is notoriously high, with members typically only staying in one term – something they’ve told Critic on multiple occasions this year has meant a slow start as members learn the ropes of their roles.
Other students Critic spoke to, however, weren’t so sure. One student argued that there should be more new minds on the Exec: “It’s always good to have change and a few new ideas […] If it's the same sort of minds and people running it, things tend to stay the same.” Brendon* was a true Switzerland, staying neutral on the matter (largely from a position of reeking of political disillusionment) saying, “I feel like Otago has a good experience all around. I don't know how much power they have to increase that.”
The rerunning Exec member (quit speculating, our lips are sealed) said, “If those rerunning are successful, I think it'll mean you have a really efficient Exec who know OUSA [and] their roles, but more importantly how to work as a team. But also having half the team being new will bring in new ideas and challenge the returners to keep pace.”
Final nomination numbers are one for President; two for Administrative Vice President; one for Finance and Strategy Officer; two for Academic; one for Welfare and Equity Rep; four for Postgrad Rep; one for International Rep; three for Clubs and Socs; three for Political Rep; and two for Residential Rep. Voting will be open from September 30th at 9am, closing Thursday October 3rd at 4pm.