There are 11 voting positions on the Executive. The top dog, and only full-time position, is the President. There are four 20-hour Vice-President tier positions – Administrative Vice-President, Finance Officer, Welfare Officer and Education Officer – and five 10-hour general representative positions – Recreation Officer, Campaigns Officer, Colleges Officer, International Officer and Postgraduate Officer. Voting for the International Officer position is open to international students only, and the Postgraduate Officer to postgrads only.
The final position on the Executive is the Te Roopu Maori President, who sits as an ex officio voting member. Elections for the Te Roopu Maori Executive are also open.
Please note that Critic does not edit candidate blurbs in any way. What you see is what you get.
OUSA Executive Nominations
President
Paul Hunt
Hey all, my name is Paul Hunt and I am seeking your vote to be OUSA President. My overriding priority is to improve what is already New Zealand’s best student culture and increase our sense of community.
Large social events like Hyde Street and Orientation celebrate scarfie culture. I want to ensure these events are accessible to all. I have led OUSA’s opposition to DCC proposals that would make bars less accessible. With Gardies, Cook and Monkey gone we need more social venues, not fewer.
OUSA should be more active in your communities. I support more direct funding for campus groups such as social causes, volunteer groups, faculty clubs, sports teams and international clubs. Campus groups generate political discussion, perform volunteer work, represent Otago and provide support networks. The individual pursuits you choose to engage in should be supported by OUSA.
The whole OUSA executive determines OUSA’s direction. Consultation, communication and taking on board others’ ideas are key parts of the President’s role. As a former club President, SOULS exec member and current OUSA finance officer, I have leadership experience in a variety of student groups.
OUSA is ultimately funded by you through University fees. I am focused on providing the services you want and focusing on the issues you care about.
Vote Paul Hunt for an OUSA that works for you.
Nominated by: Alice Sowry
Seconded by: Taotao Li
Henri Faulkner
Why hello there, my name is Henri Faulkner. I am a third-year Microbiology and as something which seems to be rare over the history of OUSA, I am a science student who wishes to become OUSA president. By being a local of Dunedin I have bared witness to the changes that have been made of scarfy culture in the last 15 years. Despite the majority of changes introduced by Vice Chancellor Harlene Hayne being understandable many of these wounds still run deep including statements from the DCC such as the introduction of surveillance cameras into student residential areas and the current proposed changes to alcohol legislation are stepping well over the line. They have clearly lost respect for the value students bring to Dunedin, something that I plan to rectify.
Beyond this I will focus on increasing the level of participation in sport/physical activities among students and improve students’ knowledge of how to make better use of Unipol. With obesity being such an issue for modern culture it is essential that Otago students stay fit and healthy, both mentally and physically so that we can enjoy the amazing years spent together here.
Gaining a brighter student future with us all.
Nominated by: Andrew Brinsley-Pirie
Seconded by: Alex Poulin
Administrative Vice-President
Isaac Yu
Hey guys I'm Isaac Yu. I'm a second year English and History double major, and as a resident of Hyde Street I'm here to ask you something. Are you sick of being crammed into Capone on aThursday night because Mack's is full? Are you sick of the continued removal of scarfie bars? Are you sick of the DCC continuing to discriminate against students? Dunedin is a student city above all else, and that is what is at threat. As your vice president I will advocate our right to make our own choices, and to enjoy our time here.
Nominated by: Dylan Baker
Seconded by: Henri Faulkner
Finance Officer
Nina Harrap
Greetings ladles and gentlespoons, my name’s Nina and I’d like to be your Finance Officer for 2015. Although I’m not studying Finance (Philosophy major, don’t judge) I’ve got experience in executive matters, having sat on the Executive Council and the Board of Trustees in high school, and I’m confident that I’m up to the task. If elected, I plan to work closely with the other members of the Exec to ensure that OUSA’s funds are allocated so as to best help all Otago students, with a focus on student welfare issues. Vote Nina for responsible and considered leadership in 2015.
Nominated by: Alexia Cochrane
Seconded by: Paul Hunt
Education Officer
Alexia Cochrane
Hi, I’m Alexia. I have spent my first year at Otago studying at the College of Education. As your Education Officer, I would want to improve relations between OUSA and the university so that issues can be solved as promptly as they may arise. I would want to work on the class representative system as I think there is a lot of potential to increase engagement with students. Education is what we are here for and I'm here to make it the best education you could have!!
Nominated by: Shannon Hollard
Seconded by: Sam Johnson
Greer Mahoney
‘Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world’-Nelson Mandela
I’m Greer a Med student here at Otago, I believe to excel as an Education Officer you need three bones:
- A wish bone
- A back bone
- Most importantly a funny bone
Work Hard, Play Hard Vote Greer
Nominated by: Elizabeth Berryman
Seconded by: Adele Macgregor
Welfare Officer
Taylor-Jane Cox
Hey Guys!
I am in my third year, majoring in Psychology and excited to be running this year for Welfare Officer!
Being actively involved with charities such as Youthline has motivated me to do more, as there are so many people struggling out there who need extra support. I want to see better accessibility and more awareness of welfare services.
We need strong, approachable and effective people on the exec. People that are actually going to make visible changes for the better- and that is what you will get if you vote for me.
Nominated by: Gary Gin
Seconded by: George Robinson
Payal Ramritu
Hi, I’m Payal and I’d love continue being your Welfare Officer in 2015.
After being elected as Welfare Officer in July, I have already achieved:
- Hump Day Help giveaways
- Planned an amazing Women’s Week
- Actively supported OUSA Free Breakfast
- Ran the awesome puppy room
- Planned the 2014 Great Southern Drag Off
- Taken on responsibilities of OUSA International Officer to help run the International Cultural and Gala Nights
- Work with Student Health to improve services offered
- Get more microwaves on campus
- Continue to be accessible to students
- Ensure student welfare will be a priority
Nominated by: Jonathan Martin
Seconded by: Daniel Benson-Guiu
Campaigns Officer
Henry Napier
Hey, I’m Henry Napier and I want to be your 2015 Campaigns Officer!
I’m a great guy with great chat and I’d make a sick OUSA exec. I will be the voice you scarfies have so long desired.
I’m currently a second year student studying Law and Politics (fitting). If you vote for me for Campaigns Officer you will not regret it.
One day I’ll be running New Zealand, but for now I’d just like to help run OUSA. Help a brother out.
PS, my campaigns will be better than my blurb. Get amongst it #TeamHenry
Nominated by: Kieran Metherell
Seconded by: John Gordon
Alic Sowry
Hi everyone, I’m Alice Sowry, and I’m in my third year of studying Law, Politicsand French. From Kiwihosting on Castle Street to getting involved in Unicrew and the Student Leadership Award, I’ve had an awesome time making the most of my student experience at Otago and want to contribute more through being Campaigns Officer in 2015!
The Campaigns role is a great opportunity to ensure OUSA initiatives are engaging and relevant to students. I’m keen to get more clubs and societies involved in running events during OUSA campaigns. OUSA should also use its voice on campus to make students aware of the extra-curricular opportunities available to them. We have a great range of activities on campus that help people make friends, develop skills and boost their CVs, and I will work hard to ensure everyone knows about these opportunities. Vote Alice for great ideas and well-organised campaigns!
Nominated by: Ella Borrie
Seconded by: Lochiel McKellar
Recreation Officer
Jonny Martin
Less talk, more action. My policies:
- More vans and transport
- More grants
- More Memorandums of Understanding
- More classes
- Refocus OUSA on recreation and societies
- Campus community events
- Poster recycling
Nominated by: Emmet Maclaurin
Seconded by: Payal Ramritu
Matt Ross
I’m Matt and I want to be your Recreation Officer for 2015! I’m 23 years old, I major in finance and accounting and I’ve lived in Otago for over 14 years. I’ve got a variety of hobbies outside of university that includes the usual stuff like sports, working out, video games and hanging out with mates. However I like to take my extra-curricular to the next level by organising and managing bar events, sports teams, university clubs, tournaments, meet ups and more. I’ve got the experience AND the passion that makes me the best vote for Recreation Officer!
Nominated by: Ethan Smith
Seconded by: Henri Faulkner
Postgraduate Officer
Claire Mitchell
Hello postgrads! My name is Claire Mitchell and I’m running for the position of OUSA Postgraduate Officer for 2015. I am currently in my fourth year studying Clinical Psychology. It will be a priority of mine to ensure that the voices of postgrads at Otago are well heard at the executive table, and that you can get involved in some fun events from time to time in between your studies! Being well informed on issues that current postgrads face, I will work hard to put the right plans into action for the benefit of Otago’s postgrad students.
Nominated by: Laura Thompson
Seconded by: Paul Hunt
Colleges Officer
Alex Gregory
Hi I’m Alex. For many of us our first time away from home is spent in a Hall of Residence. As Colleges’ Officer, I want that formative first year away from home to be top notch.
I am keen to:
- Survey and represent students’ views on Colleges’ policy especially with regards to alcohol and mental health and wellbeing.
- Advocate within reason for a continued diversity of the Hall of Residence experience in the face of perceived homogenisation.
- Support OUSA’s role in advising on individuals’ situations on Colleges and Flatting.
- Foster clubs and societies recruitment and engagement with first year students.
Seconded by: Finnegan Miles-Hussey
Anton Hovius
The vast majority people reading this won’t give much of a shit what happens in the halls next year. Fair enough. But hear me out.
Halls sound like paradise; a home away from home – where you’re treated like an adult; can come and go as you please and learn some independence … but they’re not. When all $170 of your accommodation costs get you booted out at 9pm, the same meals every week, and forbid you to watch Bi-Curious George in the comfort of your own room, something’s wrong. Halls are expensive and sure as hell aren’t your parents – so for the fresher within you and the freshers to come please vote.
Nominated by: Nina Harrap
Seconded by: Claire Mitchell
Taotao Li
Hello Scarfies,
Colleges Officer should be about hearing the voices of every fresher that lives at Halls. Having lived at Knox College for two years, I feel strongly about the policies that affect residents. Policies at Halls are becoming more draconian. Instead of prioritizing the health and safety of students, drunk vulnerable first years are being kicked out onto the streets at early hours and rules like only 4 people allowed in a room are actually law. The generous sum that is paid towards these places should make halls a place to experience freedom away from home- not a prison in a private boarding school.
Advocacy for students would be my priority along with helping to organise many inter hall events.
Vote Taotao to hear a fresher’s voice.
Nominated by: Alice Sowry
Seconded by: Paul Hunt
Jess Mclean
Hi guys! I’m Jess, your current Colleges Officer.
I’ve enjoyed meeting many of you during OUSA’s election enrolment drive.
Being on OUSA this semester was amazing and has given me so many ideas going into 2015.
Following on from my current term I will:
- Continue to evaluate sexual assault policies in halls
- Put on an awesome intercollege event in first semester
- And my main focus: Promote OUSA, Student Support and the Recreation Centre to hall students
I want to change that.
Vote Yes for Jess
Nominated by: Mairead O’Neill
Seconded by: Lena Plaksina
Joel McManus
I’m running for Colleges Officer to make sure every student gets the absolute most out of their first year at Otago. A vote for me will mean someone working for:
- More Inter-Hall events, and the establishment of a year-long sports/arts Cup.
- Less restrictive alcohol & internet rules. Students are responsible adults, and deserve to be able to make their own choices.
- Increased awareness & uptake of student support counseling.
Nominated by: Jarred Griffiths
Seconded by: Daniel Janes
International Officer (2015)
There were no nominations for the position.
International Officer (2014 by-election)
Eric Lim Thiam Aik
Having been the President of the Otago Malaysian Students Association (OMSA) in 2013, I believe in the potential of the international community here in Otago.
What is my vision as your International Student Officer?
- Community, diversity, and unity.
- To see diverse cultures come together as one: that is my aim.
- I want to be the voice of our international community in Otago.
So, vote for me!
Nominated by: Kamil Saifuddin
Seconded by: Caroline Shie
2015 Te Roopu Maori Election Nominations
Tumuaki (President)
Deinda Stanway
Kia ora koutou. Ko Hikurangi te maunga. Ko Waiapu te awa. Ko Nukutaememehea te waka. Ko Ngāti Porou te iwi. Ko Dee tōku ingoa.
I would love the opportunity to represent you as Tumuaki of Te Roopū Maori in 2015. My experience on Te Rito in 2014 has been a rewarding and enjoyable one that I would like to continue in 2015. As a strong communicator and having a positive outlook on everything, I like to lead by example and encourage a positive working environment within both the student and an executive community.
My vision for TRM is to promote more whakawhanaungatanga amongst junior and senior students, where teina learn from their tuakana in all facets of university life. Additionally, I see the TRM whare as being the perfect place to foster these relationships and will endeavor to create a friendly and welcoming environment for this to be ensured.
I’m a strong believer in loving what you do and putting 110% in to any task that comes my way and can promise that when I’m elected I will strive to whatever it takes to have your voice heard.
xoxo Dee
Tumuaki Tuarua (Vice President)
Tyson Tautari
Kia Ora Whānau
My name is Tyson Tautari and I’m studying a Bachelor of Arts in Honors in Indigenous Development. Currently I hold the position of Welfare and Recreation Officer on Te Rito. I believe that I have been an asset this year to Te Roopu Maori, however I strongly feel I can step up and perform in the position of Tumuaki tuarua for 2015. Te Rito 2014 has paved the way for the love I now feel for Te Roopū Māori and my abilities to assist students not only socially but also academically.
Vote 2Ty for TuaRua
Culture and Education Officer
Kahurangi Salu
Tū mai rā ko Taupiri Maunga.
Ka ahu whakararo ki te riu o Waikato.
Tēnei tō Kahurangi iti e mihi atu ana.
I am a 2nd year student majoring in Māori Studies and Psychology and currently the Education Officer of HMSA.
A key philosophy I embody throughout my education is:
‘Te piko o te māhuri, tērā te tipu o te rākau”
The support, encouragement and guidance to people while studying will help determine their success and achieve their goals.
My role as Te Rito’s Education Officer will be to provide opportunities and create environments in which this can happen.
Ngahuia Mita
Kia ora whānau, he uri tēnei nō ngā iwi o Te Aitanga a Mahaki me Ngāti Porou, ko Ngahuia Mita tōku ingoa. I am currently a fourth year finalist studying a Bachelor of Physical Education with Honours, I am running for the position of Culture and Education Officer, I believe that I would be effective in this role given my current experience as co-tumuaki of the Physical Education Māori Association. I am passionate about Te Ao Māori and education and believe the skills I have acquired through PEMA would help me fulfill this role for Te Rito 2015.
Communications Officer
Caitlin Balkin
Kia ora koutou my name is Caitlin Balkin a.k.a Whata.
I’m doing a BSc in Physiology and I’m running for Communications Officer.
I was raised in Australia, however, when I moved to Dunedin I had the privilege of knowing someone who was already involved with TRM. As a result, TRM is my second home. I believe that while avenues such as Facebook and emails are vital, it is important that we develop our face-to-face communication. I want to develop relationships with those students that need to see a face and a hand to physically get past the front door.
Damyian Winselborn-Rawiri
Kia Ora everyone, my name is Damyian Windelborn-Rawiri, I hail from the top of the country. Born in a small village west of Kaitaia, called Herekino. Grew up with the hot sun, but decided to study down here in the dirty cold south. #kidding. I want to run for Coms officer because I think I have the ability to communicate and help out my following tauira. I want to be able to be a voice and help get across what you think so that things can be better in Te Rito 2015. A vote for me is a vote for you!
Events and Social Officer
Franky Maslin
Tēna kōutou ngā tauira Māori o te Whare Wananga. Ko Ngati Awa me Ngati Apa ōku iwi, ko Franky Maslin tōku ingoa. I am running for the position of Social and Events Officer for Te Rito 2015. I am keen to get amongst running some awesome events and activities for next year. I believe that my experience as a fourth year student who has been involved on an Executive Committee and have run a number of events, like ski trips and an annual ball, will make me the best choice for the role. Vote for me whanau! #franksforfun
Welfare and Recreational Officer
Tukohirangi Pini
ko Tukohirangi Pini toku ingoa. He uri tenei no Tapuika me Ngati Kahungunu ki te Wairarapa.
chur whanau my name is Tu, I am currently in my fourth year here at Otago doing both a Bachelor of Physical Education and Bachelor of Arts majoring in Maori studies.. I am currently the co-president of PEMA (physical education maori association). I am hoping to be the welfare and recreational officer for 2015 and I believe I am the best candidate because i have a strong passion for sports and any form of recreational activities.
Tama Tu tama ora, tama noho tama mate.
Finance Officer
Renee Brown
Tēnā Koutou Katoa.
Ko Renee Brown tōku ingoa. I’m currently study Accounting, Māori Studies and Indigenous Development. I am the current 2014 Kaitiaki Pūtea and would love to return for 2015. I’m interested in continuing the incorporation of a Quadruple bottom line to the financial policies of Te Roopū Māori. Over the past year it has been a learning curve and I would like to continue implementing new procedures as well as improving the current system. I believe I am strong enough to withstand adverse condition or rough handling to the financial features of Te Roopū Māori.
Nāku noa,
Renee Brown