Execrable | Issue 21

Execrable | Issue 21

“You’re the chairperson … this is your hub”

To kick off the meeting, apologies were made on behalf of Hamish Barker, who had to leave the meeting early due to other commitments. Welfare Officer Payal Ramritu was also unable to attend due to car troubles.

OUSA’s affiliation with the Justice in Palestine group was first discussed. The Executive team were all rather content with the affiliation; however, Henri Faulkner abstained from voting as he had not read the memo related to the affiliation. His role in particular focuses on clubs, societies and recreation at the University - let that sink in for a moment. With no other issues arising, the affiliation was agreed upon.

Discussion on the Blues and Golds policy amendments took up a great deal of the meeting. Consideration was first given to President of Te Roopu Maori, Mariana Te Pou, having a seat on the Committee. OUSA President Ruby Sycamore-Smith believed it was “great” and there were no objections from fellow Executives. Issues arose with OUSA’s lack of an International Students’ Officer, meaning a missing seat on the Golds Panel. It was suggested that Payal take on this role, to which everyone agreed. Henri then asked who currently chairs the Golds Panel. Looking rather confused, Ruby replied “you’re the chairperson … this is your hub.” This was unknown to Henri, who believed he “just chaired the Blues.” All was eventually resolved. Mariana now has a seat on the Blues and Golds Panel; Payal has a seat on the Golds; and Henri retains his position on Golds, now that he is aware it actually exists.

Colleges and Communications Officer Jess McLean spoke of her desire to have a place on the OUSA Health and Safety Committee. The committee is currently having issues with tile and vinyl flooring in areas, with which Jess has past experience. Jess said she has been involved in “a lot of work with flooring through [her] parents,” and was worried that would be a conflict of interest. Ruby, OUSA’s resident expert in conflicts of interest, said it was not and she noted Jess’ particular interest in health and safety issues. Jess now has a seat on the committee.

With regards to the operational report for July, OUSA General Manager Darel Hall put forth the motion that an extra $500 of Executive money be put towards Environment Week for promotion. The budget was previously $500, and would now be increased to $1,000. Finance Officer Paul Hunt was asked if he had any issues with this, but with no real answer, the extra funding was agreed to.

Paul had a lot more to say when it came to the Dunedin City Council’s newly proposed alcohol regulations. He wanted OUSA to oppose four aspects of the changes, should they appear in the DCC’s final proposal. These included a mandatory 3am bar close time; a 1am start to the “one-way door” policy; a ban of shot sales after midnight; and the clearance of people from outdoor areas after 11pm. The Executives decided that since this issue affected students, they would oppose the regulations as a body.

Ruby also informed the group of an idea that “$1,500 from Exec General [Budget Line] 4930 be approved for the OUSA enrolment and voting campaign.” With the addition, the budget for the campaign is now set at $28,000. The OUSA also calculated a possible upper-end value of their election advertisements to check compliance with the new Electoral Commission rules, which stipulate that any organisation or group exceeding $12,300 of election spending must register as a promoter (a third party to the election advocating to vote or not vote for a party, whether or not the name of the party is stated). OUSA’s calculation came to $11,500; to play it safe, OUSA will register as a promoter. With little reaction from the Executives, the increased funding was accepted.

With regards to the updating of job descriptions discussed in previous Executive meetings, Admin Vice President Ryan Edgar announced that these were nearly complete. Ryan was hoping to meet with fellow Executives individually regarding their descriptions in the next few weeks. Ryan also hopes to clean up the external polices left by previous executive members, many of which referred to genitalia statues around Dunedin. Ryan said this was “pretty weird” and that the policies included some “pretty wonky stuff.”

Laura mentioned that the puppy room was also a success. Talks began on the possibility of a kitten room, which Ruby said would be “in the mix” as discussions with the SPCA had already begun. After the Executive members fell into a doze, it was noted that there were free sausages in the OUSA fridge. Catching perhaps the most attention all meeting, the Executives decided they would run a few sausage sizzles, as well as offering free sausages at the OUSA free breakfasts. Critic considers the sausages to be an excellent supplement to the much-anticipated raisin increase.
This article first appeared in Issue 21, 2014.
Posted 5:55pm Sunday 31st August 2014 by Laura Munro.