News

The first draft of the OUSA Budget, written by Finance Officer James Meager and General Manager Stephen Alexander, has been released amidst controversy over levy increases and withdrawing from NZUSA.

However, there are several other changes in the proposed new Budget, and Meager was quick to point out that the proposed Budget is not final and will be altered to fit with the increase in levies.
   One positive change is the rebalancing of the levy system to properly reflect the Association’s needs. The levy is split into two parts, one for the operational activities, and one for building expenditure. In previous years the Buildings Levy funds have run at a massive surplus, while Operations have run at a loss. This is because the Buildings Levy was increased to fund the construction of the Clubs and Societies building, but never decreased when this was paid for. Rebalancing the two levies will solve this issue.
   Talking specifics, Brand Awareness and Marketing is budgeted to increase by 422 percent, from $50 000 in the 2010 Budget, to $261 000 in 2011. Meager says that this “more accurately reflects actual spending” and responds to “a request from the manager of that line to increase the budget overall.”
   There are a number of other significant increases. The University Union Limited is to receive a 637 percent increase, from a mere $9 500 allocated in 2010 to $70 000 in 2011. Planet Media is to receive a 59 percent increase of almost $64 000. In the Grants line, $50 000 is being given for sports, societies, faculty, and special grants, where previously no money was allocated.
   $84 650 has been allocated to Te Roopu Maori, the result of an agreement between Te Roopu and OUSA that means OUSA passes on 75 percent of the levies of Maori students to Te Roopu. Recent complaints about the lack of satellite support obviously haven’t fallen on deaf ears either, with $30 205 being allocated to satellite campus support. Planet Media, the parent company of Radio 1 and Critic, is asking for a 59 percent increase in its subsidy which would bring it to $172 000.
   Student consultation will begin this week when the debate opens this Tuesday, August 24. Submissions from the student body on the Budget will be open from next week. Students will have a final say on the Budget as they are able to pass or reject it at the next SGM, which will be held online.