News

The start of the second semester will bring in a few fresh faces to the OUSA Executive, following the resignation of four Executive members at the end of the first semester.

Two of the resignations were expected as Brydie Ockwell, Colleges and Communications Officer, and Nick Tenci, Finance Officer, head on exchange in the second semester.

Brydie, a notably strong Executive member, was sad to leave after an “amazing six months.” She advised anyone running for Colleges Officer to “ask lots of questions, meet as many people as you can and run with almost every idea you get.”

On the other hand, Nick’s key advice to pass on to his future replacement was to “get out now.” He asked Critic not to print that out of fear of getting his “balls ripped off,” and instead added that the role is “a great opportunity to hone your managerial skills, and to make a real difference, and it’ll look great on your CV.”

The other two resignations from Nali Lee, Welfare Officer, and Kamil Saifuddin, International Students’ Officer, were not expected but come as a result of both members having an increased University workload in the second semester.

Kamil said that “after much thought and consideration,” his decision to resign was due to “personal reasons.” He said that other commitments he has means he “cannot give the dedication and commitment that this role needs and deserves.” He said he will assist the next International Students’ Officer “as best as I can” so that they can familiarise themselves with the role.

Nali said that the “difficult decision” to depart was a result of struggling to put sufficient work into her university studies and being able to dedicate the required time towards her Executive role. She said she would continue to volunteer for some of the organisations she was involved with once she returns from her holiday in the USA. She hopes the person who replaces her will have “as much passion for the role as I had.”

OUSA President Ruby Sycamore-Smith said, “It is a real shame to see them leave,” but explained that “the pressure of the Executive can be somewhat overwhelming, and university grades can suffer.” She said, “I thank them for all the work they have done.” As the by-election nominations open on Tuesday 8 July, she says, “I am looking for some determined and inspired students to be a part of the Executive whanau.”

This will be the second OUSA by-election this year, with Education Officer Jordan Taylor resigning earlier in the first semester. Critic observes that this now means all five of the openly gay or bisexual members on the Executive at the start of the year also account for all five of the Executive members who have now resigned.

The by-election nominations for Finance Officer, Colleges Officer, International Student Officer and Welfare Officer will open at 9am on 15 July 2014 and close at 4pm on 17 July 2014. The new OUSA Executive members will be announced soon after voting closes.

*Ruby loves everyone. Critic takes full responsibility for twisting what is
otherwise a very boring explanation for all the recent Executive resignations.