News

OUSA intends to put its membership in New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations (NZUSA) in the hands of its members.

In 2010, OUSA paid $86 169 in membership fees to NZUSA. The fees go towards national representation of students and lobbying in Parliament. In the revised OUSA Budget, the NZUSA budget line has been increased to $90 939.
   In the first draft of the Budget, the NZUSA budget line had been reduced to $0, clearly indicating OUSA’s intentions towards NZUSA. However, at the Budget-setting meeting, OUSA voted to increase the line 5.5 percent in 2011 to allow for inflation, and an increase in OUSA members, and put OUSA’s membership in NZUSA to a student referendum. 
   The OUSA Executive was evenly split on the issue, with strong opinions voiced on both sides. Humanities Rep Walker MacMurdo advocated putting the decision to the students, while last year’s Finance and Services Officer Mike Bridges, who was sitting in on the meeting, asserted that this was a massive and complex decision which the Exec were the best informed to make. Ultimately, it was decided that the Exec should inform the students about the issue, and ask them to weigh in.
   OUSA President Harriet Geoghegan could not comment on the decision, stating that she was not present during the meeting. It is not currently clear when the referendum would be held.
   Canterbury University has already pulled out of NZUSA, on the grounds of “contractual breaches.” NZUSA accepted Canterbury University’s decision as valid.
   No one on the OUSA Exec has gone on the record to give Critic a clear indication as to why it should no longer be a part of NZUSA. There is a feeling, however, that for the same amount of money OUSA could more effectively lobby the Government itself.
   NZUSA currently requires 12 months’ notice prior to universities withdrawing their membership, although OUSA is attempting to change the constitution to require only three months’ notice. However, OUSA is confident that the notice period wouldn’t change their Budget, as NZUSA tends not to follow up payments during the year’s notice.