News

Voting for the two student representatives on the 2015 University of Otago Council runs from this Wednesday 8 October through to Friday 10 October. Voting will be conducted via an online voting site, with students notified on their student email addresses. The candidates standing are OUSA President-elect Paul Hunt, current OUSA Education Officer Laura Harris, OUSA Recreation Officer-elect Jonathan Martin, and Ashlea Muston.

Paul Hunt [A]
My name is Paul Hunt and I will be your 2015 OUSA President. The success of Otago University is dependent on student success. That is why a strong student presence on the University Council is vital.

I am seeking your vote to be one of the student representatives on University Council for two reasons.

First, I have experience advocating for students. As OUSA Finance Officer and a club President, I have lobbied officials and sat on a range of committees. A student representative needs to be able to persuade officials and not fall into line for appearances sake.

Second, I am accountable as OUSA President. You can talk to me direct or via email/telephone. A student representative needs to be responsive to student views. As an elected representative, I must listen, consult and take student views on board.

I support Laura Harris’s bid to be a student representative on University Council. Laura has extensive experience on University committees. She has a track record of effectively representing students in her role as the 2014 OUSA Education Officer.

Vote Laura Harris and Paul Hunt to be your 2015 student representatives on University Council.

Laura Harris [B]
My name is Laura Harris and I am currently a 3rd year English and Linguistics student.

Since the beginning of April 2014, I have been the Education Officer on the Otago University Students’ Association Executive. This position has given me the opportunity to have an invaluable connection with the student collective. As a further result of my experience as a student representative on various boards and groups within the university, I feel I am well situated to represent students in a council setting. I believe I will have the time commitment necessary to fully engage myself with representing the student voice to the best of my ability. It is also via this platform that I wish to articulate my support for Paul Hunt for University Council, as in light of his recent successful bid for president of OUSA, he, too, is perfectly poised to advocate on behalf of students next year through the medium of University Council.

Thank you for your consideration.

Jonathan Martin [C]
Students are the lifeblood of the University. We are here to learn and develop – that means we need to work alongside the University to help us achieve that. As a fifth year law student, I have seen substantial change in student life on campus. Further changes are coming and sound representation and tact is required to ensure the student voice is heard. This has to come from the top.

If you want someone who takes action beyond words then vote Jonny Martin for the University Council 2015.

Less talk, more action. My policies:
- Further the support for student initiatives and start-ups;
- Create new educational courses that take on a student-led approach;
- Facilitate improved resource access to clubs at faculty level;
- Enhance the relationship between faculty specific groups and their academic counterparts;
- Protect student nightlife culture;
- Grow and expand the volunteer opportunities to students;
- Increase the reach of student groups to satellite campuses;
- Push the profile of students as positive actors; and
- Advocate minority interests to ensure diversity is encouraged.

Ashlea Muston [D]
Kia ora everyone, I’m seeking your vote to stand as a student representative on the University Council in 2015.

The University Council is where the key decisions are made for the university and its students and staff – from fee rises to the long-term plan. I will work hard to ensure a strong student voice is heard in all decision-making processes, and hope to have the privilege of being elected.

I have five main priorities:
- Do a better job of proactively communicating University Council decisions to you;
- Actively discourage continued fees increases for students;
- Advocate for more study spaces for students;
- Improve diversity awareness on Council and encourage the implementation of better reviews of facilities and support services for all students; and
- Promote university sustainability, including divestment from fossil fuels, energy use and efficiency on campus and better transport options for students.

Vote Ash Muston for University Council in 2015.

A strong voice; good communication; diversity; and sustainability.