Salient started their year in the office with the sad news of the Christchurch earthquake. Much has been written about this already, but our counterparts at Lincoln and Canterbury Universities outdid themselves in the recovery effort, and our thoughts go out to those who are still working to rebuild Christchurch and their lives.
The last week of February was also Orientation Week at Victoria, which for the most part consisted of pashes, rashes and free food sachets, courtesy of VUWSA. Maybe some people who lived in the halls made some new friends—I’m not sure, I was still living with my mum at the time.

March

We were all welcomed back to university with the fanfare of jackhammers as the quad was ripped up as part of the Campus Hub Project. An upside of these developments was the addition of the Hunter Lounge to the Student Union Building, with neighbours Salient making excessive use of the new bar.

The annual Great Debate turned into the major politics scandal of the year, with Labour MP Darren Hughes accused of sexually assaulting a Victoria University student following the event. Hughes later resigned from Parliament.

Everyone in Wellington shat themselves thinking that we could be the next big quake, while VUWSA actually did something productive, raising $8000 for Christchurch’s Student Army.

Japan were next on the list to fall victim to Mother Earth, and this disaster dominated the media for the remainder of March.
Closer to home, MGMT performed in Vic’s brand new Hunter Lounge, which made us feel pretty damn special about ourselves.
Finally, VUWSA held its IGM and reached quorum without having to reschedule, proving Seamus Brady to be already more successful than predecessor Max Hardy, probably due to provision of pizza.

April

April and Easter rolled around, the investigation into the Hughes affair continued, complete with much speculation and accusation.
Peter Dunne actually did some work as Revenue Minister, and, along with Steven Joyce, cracked down on wayward overseas student loan borrowers.
Construction work on the Student Union Building was finally finished, the University proving it was capable of achieving something. The results of a survey undertaken by VUWSA were released, showing Vicbooks to be the most-used service. Salient was second most-used and nothing much else was used at all, surprise surprise.

May

Don Brash shocked everyone by giving Rodney Hide the ol’ heave-ho which, to be honest, is pretty impressive for a 70-year-old.

The Government once again threatened to send debt collectors after overseas loan borrowers, while students escaping ‘the man’ played Carmen San Diego.
The government attempted to stop us from taking a little from this box and a little from that box, over Skynet. Essentially, most MPs just proved how little they knew about how computers and the internet actually work.

Victoria University opened Milk and Hone, exclusively for Victoria staff and postgraduate students, which most undergraduate students packed a mega sad about.

June

Trimester One ended, there were some exams, and obviously everyone was really sad because Salient wasn’t published over the break.

Bleak.

July

Most students came back bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, all ready to study in Trimester 2, but thanks to a University balls-up, some of us still didn’t know our grades from the first trimester.

Labour scared off the VSM monster-under-the-bed of student associations by continuing to filibuster every question day in Parliament.

While ACT on Campus celebrated the fact that ACT’s VSM Bill looked almost certain to eventually pass, the group won further media attention, sparking controversy when their Auckland Vice-President told an AUSA office-holder to “get raped” in a Facebook comment.

In a last ditch effort against VSM, OUSA ‘scarfie’ President Logan Edgar locked himself in a metaphorical (and literal) prison cell. It is interesting to note that this dramatic protest attracted more media attention than NZUSA’s expensive campaign did.

August

Labour continued to filibuster to avoid the VSM bill, and people actually started to kick up a fuss about it. Victoria students shocked the nation when they actually gave a shit about something, turning out in their hundreds to protest a number of cuts to University programs.

VUWSA held its AGM and enough people turned up to eat pizza and win quorum. Students defied apathy, and actually discussed something, with the Legalise Love movement and preparation for VSM proving to be the hot topics of the day.

September

The University Council asked for 4 per cent more cash money, when increasing fees for 2012. But the council couldn’t touch our levy, because Joyce introduced a proposal to limit the number of things that could be classed as ‘student services’. We Are The University, swelled in numbers by Workers’ Party and Unite members, held a protest in the Hunter Courtyard, and captured media attention when they stormed the building to find Pat Walsh, which in turn attracted the presence of police on campus.
Maori students’ associations made an eleventh-hour appeal to the Waitangi Tribunal to block VSM, but this ultimately failed, as the bill was passed into legislation (nearly ten years after it was introduced) on Wednesday 28 September. ACT on Campus President Peter McCaffrey allegedly motorboated Heather Roy at the ACT Party offices over the newly-passed piece of legislation.

October

VUWSA, having pretended that they were up to fucks all year, showed that they actually had some sort of plan in place for the advent of VSM. Enrolments for 2012 opened with the option of joining VUWSA for free, however this is yet to be confirmed by an SGM which will be held on Thursday 13 October at 1pm in the Student Union Building—go along!

At an executive meeting last week, VUWSA called for a Special General Meeting to be held this Thursday 13 October, so that a motion amending the constitution to remove the membership fee could be put forward. One executive member spoken to by Salient expressed concern at the lack of consultation with executive members and the speed at which it was taking place.

Constitutional amendments usually require 14 days’ notice, but a clause in the VUWSA constitution allows for “substantial compliance”—of which the 10 days’ notice given is in accordance.

Should the meeting not meet its quorum of 100 students, or the motion not pass, the executive will instead set the membership fee for 2012 at $1. However, collection of that amount would not take place until after 2012’s Initial General Meeting, giving them room for another attempt to change it, or adopt an altogether different structure.
In the past, VUWSA has gathered $2.2 million revenue from membership fees. Despite this, VUWSA President Seamus Brady says that a switch to zero membership fees won’t jeopardise VUWSA’s financial viability in 2012.

VUWSA intends to stop its annual contribution to JSub and Building Levy, which allow for long term investments such as the Campus Hub. This leaves VUWSA requiring roughly $1.5 million to carry on as per usual.

Revenue will instead come in part from the VUWSA Trust, which has given a commitment to provide $250,000 per annum for the foreseeable future. An expected $300,000 will come from non-member revenue streams, such as advertising and car parks—leaving roughly a $700,000 shortfall.

The recent proposal by Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce on direction for the Student Services Levy includes the provision for a number of VUWSA services to be funded through that compulsory fee.

“We have been negotiating with the University over funding of specific services that students have identified as important.”

Though there are no formal agreements, it is understood that the University may contract out to VUWSA to provide certain services. Discussions will take place later in the year, once the specifics of said proposal are finalised. This week, in addition to previous consultation and research, VUWSA will consult on services online, so as to form the grounds of their Service Levy arrangements in regards to which services should be funded.

The rationale for a funding model not dependent on membership subscriptions is based on the fact that VUWSA’s mandate and ability to represent students effectively is in part dependent on how many members it has; a membership fee is seen as a “financial barrier” to joining.

Though there is the provision for students to pay for association membership out of their Course Related Costs, Brady says there are competing priorities, and that it would be unfair for students to forgo their limited CRC in order to join VUWSA.

The position for a zero-fee membership model will be re-evaluated and addressed following active consultation and research leading up to 2012’s IGM, where students will most likely be presented with a new constitution.

The awards allow University Sport New Zealand and Victoria University to recognise students who excel at the highest level in their chosen sport, while also balancing study and personal commitments.

17 students have been honoured with awards for their efforts in fencing, ultimate frisbee, debating, rowing, surf life-saving and hockey. A further four individuals have been recognised for their efforts in sports administration.

“It’s great to be able to recognise the achievement of many of our top sportspeople like this. 2011 was another strong sporting year for Vic students. From Team Vic’s success at Uni Games and the World University Games to DebSoc continued national and international dominance, we have much to be proud of. Congratulations to all the winners,” says VUWSA President Seamus Brady.

The winners of the overall awards, Sports Administrator of the Year and Sportsperson of the Year, will be announced at the ceremony in the Hunter Chambers on Tuesday night.
“The suspense!” exclaimed Brady.

After the ceremony, it is rumoured that “nibbles” and drinks will be provided, though VUWSA Vice-President (Administration) Daniel Wilson told Salient that this year’s event is “massively scaled back on previous years.”

In the past, the awards have incorporated illustrious guest speakers, three-course meals and even a band, but Wilson, who, together with VUWSA Association Manager Mark Maguire and Clubs & Events Manager Melissa Barnard, helped to organise the awards, said that “there was just no money” for those kinds of bells and whistles this year.

At a meeting of the VUWSA executive last month, Wilson himself requested that VUWSA put a further $5000 towards the Blues Awards, but his application was rejected when he let slip that that amount would cover the cost of hiring Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens to speak at the event.

Sports Administration Awards

Richard Carr—Ultimate Frisbee
Udayan Mukherjee—Debating
Sebastian Templeton—Debating
Daniel Wilson—Debating

Sporting Blues Winners

William Bishop—Fencing
Richard Carr—Ultimate Frisbee
Richard D’Ath—Debating
Asher Emanuel—Debating
Angus Hines—Ultimate Frisbee
James Hunter—Rowing
Jonathan Jackson—Ultimate Frisbee
Holly Jenkins—Debating
Samantha Lee—Surf Life Saving
Udayan Mukherjee—Debating
Tamarah Neal—Ultimate Frisbee
Matthew Richardson—Ultimate Frisbee
Lauchlan Robertson—Ultimate Frisbee
Paul Smith—Debating
Sebastian Templeton—Debating
Alexandra Tully—Hockey
Luke Watts—Rowing

The team was the first from New Zealand and from the Southern Hemisphere to compete in the international Solar Decathlon in Washington DC, coming in at third place overall with its modern take on a kiwi bach.

The contest required 20 university teams from around the world to design, build and operate a solar-powered house. Teams then faced off in ten contests which judged each house’s performance, livability and affordability.

Victoria’s Meridian First Light house placed highly in a number of categories, winning first prize in Engineering, first equal in Hot Water and Energy Balance, second in Architecture and third in Market Appeal.

Team member Nick Officer says of the competition, “While we may not have won overall we are incredibly proud to have represented New Zealand on the world stage. We had such an amazing response from the US public here along with supporters back home.”

Both former Prime Minister Helen Clark and Deputy Prime Minister Bill English visited the house while on display in Washington D.C., and are said to have enjoyed the kiwi touches, such as the jar of Marmite in the kitchen cupboard.

The Masters student is one of three New Zealand recipients of the prestigious Woolf Fisher Scholarship, which funds students to study towards a doctorate at the University of Cambridge.

Matthew says of the moment when he found out about the award, “It was pretty overwhelming, I had to pinch myself to make sure it was really happening!”
The 24-year-old is no stranger to travel; he spent a year in Lyon, France during his undergraduate studies, and has recently returned from a six-month internship with the Asia Europe Foundation in Singapore.

In Cambridge, he will study how relations with New Zealand, Australia and the European Union have affected regional integration in South East Asia. “If we can understand the impact of trade and other relations between regions, we are better placed to anticipate the process of regional integration,” Matthew says.

The Woolf Fisher Trust invests almost $1 million each year in its scholarship programme, awarding up to three scholarships annually. The scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence and demonstration of the virtues prized by Sir Woolf Fisher, including integrity, leadership, boldness of vision, zeal, and keenness and capacity for work. Each scholarship has an annual value of almost $100,000.

Matthew says of receiving the award, “Working with some of the most respected academics in my field will be an amazing experience. Cambridge also has so much else to offer—amazing history, buzzing social and sporting environment, and it attracts really talented people from all over the globe.”

He will be joined in Cambridge in October 2012 by Chris Jenkins from the University of Auckland and Kane O’Donnell from the University of Canterbury.

Well, apart from all the others…

Because you, yes you, have an opinion on something. And Democracy allows you to express it. You might advocate a sustainable green economy like me, you might be a monarchist, an anarcho-communist, a conservative. You might even think ACT care. But you think.

But do you put that thinking into practice? Most people don’t seriously consider views that fall outside their own limited perspective. Everyone pays lip-service to equality, and standing in others’ shoes, but at the end of the day the sad fact is most don’t seem to practise it, or protect it. And it’s that kind of selfish, ignorant non-thinking that breeds extremists, whether they’re religious, political, financial, or completely illogical. It’s very hard for us to shrug off what we ‘know’, what we’re brought up with, what we think is the worldview. But we need to!

If we didn’t fight for change, where would the world be now? Humanity has come forward by seeing what doesn’t work, and improving it. We seem to think, as a world, that we’ve done it. That this world is a finished product, that we’ve become something better than our predecessors, achieved the end goal. Or at least, we indicate that from our lack of political involvement. Most people don’t seem to give a shit, so long as they don’t get taxed more.

But the world is not a finished product. Though from our perspective some views might seem crazy, unprofitable, or the products of pricks, that’s not how history works. Martin Luther King, Jr., the head of the American Civil Rights movement—the man who had “a dream”—was a prat. Recently released tapes of JFK’s widow, recorded shortly after his 1963 assassination, reveal that King was an adulterous boor, drunk and laughing at the President’s funeral. But does that diminish his dream? No. It diminishes the man. His legend, and what it inspired, is more important than one person, and we should remember that. Just because the politicians are fucked up, corrupt, or complete pricks doesn’t mean they’re not worth voting for. It’s their views, and how they correlate with improving the world, that matter. Not what pay-per-view channels they watch.

Politicians are human too, and humans are fucked up. Vote for the politicians with a worldview that’s not fucked, if they have the integrity to see it through. Vote for the politicians, and parties, that you think are steering the ship in the right direction—not the politicians you think would be fun to have a drink with. Voting for a smile is ignorant, if the man smiling is an assassin.

There are a number of politicians who can steer correctly, and who you can chat with. Politicians who will take your opinions into account. Politicians who remember their job is to represent you, not their own goals. To represent all New Zealanders. Gareth Hughes comes to mind as a strong politician, a combination of values and integrity that puts the welfare of New Zealanders first. And he’s fun to have a drink with.

Politics isn’t boring. Politics runs through every seam of your life, whether you want it to or not. You may not agree with the government we have, but that is the best reason to be a part of it. Because you are not alone. Because your vote counts. We all think the system is fucked, to varying degrees, for diverse and contrary reasons, but we all have an opinion. “All opinions are not equal. Some are a very great deal more robust, sophisticated and well supported in logic and argument than others.” Don’t assume your opinion is the strongest. Think on it. Fairly consider others. Then act with wisdom.

So fuck the system. Fuck it long, fuck it good, and fuck it hard. But fuck it for the right reasons—fuck it because you think, because you consider, because you care. It’ll be a lot more enjoyable that way.

Salient has heard that a number of Residential Advisers (RAs) from the residential complex—which includes Cumberland, McKenzies and Education House—are dissatisfied with the pay they receive and the conditions under which they are expected to work.

As part of the job, RAs are required to live on-site. But one RA has stated that they pay more back to the hostel in rent than they actually earn, meaning they are forced to rely on loans, allowances and other employment to cover the shortfall.

The RAs are also often required to work extra hours, especially when planning large events and dealing with significant problems, but are not paid for this extra work. They believe this is unfair, particularly as RAs from other university Halls of Residence receive a wide variety of benefits and compensation.

Earlier in the year, one RA left their role due to the conditions in which they were expected to work. The RA’s bedroom had a number of leaks which uStay management failed to resolve and on one occasion the RA was pressured to miss a class at university in order to attend a fire drill.

The RAs say they have approached management about their concerns but have been largely ignored. They also hope to raise awareness and secure fairer contracts for the RAs of 2012.

Formerly known as Unicomm, uStay has been plagued with problems in recent years. In 2008, many Cumberland residents spent the year in leaky rooms and on one occasion a sewage pipe burst, causing numerous issues. In response to these conditions, a number of students made national news as they protested at Study@Vic Day and prevented tours of the complex.

You know what’s interesting is that I am starting to genuinely think some people don’t have fantasies or fetishes. Well, further than your ‘I like girls in sexy lingerie’ stock standards, and given that I have people with poop-happy boyfriends and garden nudists writing in to me, I feel like the stock standards probably don’t get enough attention. So I’m glad you wrote in.

I’m hesitant to give you tips and tricks because there are a million places like that, and frankly regular sex with your boyf should be just as important as the times when you decide to try something you saw in porn.

Your boyf might not have some deep longing for you to be bound in rope and ball-gagged, but he will have preferences. He will enjoy it when you dig your nails into his back a little bit when you’re fucking, or when you play with his balls while you’re giving him head. Whatever those little things might be, focus on them, and get him to focus on your little things. That way, even though you might not be having wild crazy sex—you’re having good sex.

Wild sex is awesome, but you don’t need that to have passion. Passion is exploring the other person, bouncing off their reactions and generally being in the moment focussed entirely on what’s feeling great. Build things up really, really slowly from teasing to full on fucking, and let him know when you’re enjoying it with some seriously vocal appreciation.  Build-up is so important—double the length of your foreplay, get him to wind you up with all of the things you like and refuse to fuck you until you’re gagging for it. And (if you have ladybits) until you are wet like a monsoon. Then by the time it’s P into V action, you’ll be so fucking into it you’re a little bit dizzy.

Let’s be honest though, when you’ve been with someone for a really long time, it’s not always going to be headboard clutching, heart pounding stuff. Getting into ruts that can last a really long time is super normal. Just ease yourself out of it with a renewed sense of interest in making him feel really good and taking your sweet time when you’re together, and I’m sure he will return the feeling. You say you love him, so make sure those moments really focus on that and how much you enjoy being with him. He’ll feel how much you’re into it, and hopefully give back. Which is pretty much the best thing we can all hope for when we get those moments alone. If it happens to go into wild territory because you really feel like being spanked that day then good for you, but work on the connection first and foremost.  
Loves x

The Bill, which will make membership of all students’ associations voluntary, passed with MPs voting 63 to 58 in favour, supported by National, Act and United Future.
Under previous legislation, students’ associations’ membership could either be universal or voluntary—with the provision to choose either when a referendum was called for by 10 per cent of students. From the 1st of January 2012, all students associations will now have a voluntary membership system, with students choosing to join their association, rather than opt-out through “conscientious objection” under the universal system.

NZUSA and a number of students’ association representatives have opposed the Bill since it entered Parliament in 2009.

“If students collectively want universal membership, they should be able to vote for it. And equally, if they want voluntary membership, that choice should be theirs as well. It should not be imposed against students’ will by government in the form of a quite extreme and inflexible Bill,” NZUSA co-president David Do said.

VUWSA President Seamus Brady, like many before him, has openly opposed the Bill.

“ACT and National have removed students’ ability to have a meaningful say in their education and their ability to choose how they want organise themselves on campus. Institutions will now pick and choose when it suits them to have credible student representation, what events and support services are offered and how much students will pay for them,” said Brady.

“Reasonable alternatives have been put forward since the Select Committee stages but National and ACT members have refused to listen to reason.”
Its passing has been welcomed by supporters.

“For almost 20 years, students have fought for their fundamental human right of Freedom of Association,” said ACT on Campus President Peter McCaffrey.
“Finally, students will be free to choose for themselves whether or not to join their students’ association… We look forward to a future of more representative and accountable students’ associations for future generations.”

Before Wednesday’s third and final reading, around 80 students took part in a last-ditch rally in opposition to the Bill. Representatives from the Labour, Green, Māori and Mana parties addressed the crowd and signed a letter promising to “seek to repeal this legislation when we are in a position of Government.”

As previously reported in Salient, Te Mana Ākonga, the National Māori Students’ Association, lodged a formal Treaty of Waitangi Claim, citing the prejudicial effects against Māori students.

“As soon as the Bill becomes legislation, the Claim will be active and Te Mana Ākonga will seek redress through the Tribunal, ” says Te Mana Ākonga Tumaki Jacqualene Poutu.
The end of universal membership was marked with a bang on Kelburn campus, when a BBQ held by VUWSA to raise awareness of the Bill caught fire. This was no deterrent to Victoria’s ravenous students, who continued to help themselves to charred sausages, with one enquiring as to whether there was “any sauce”.

As the fire climbed ever-higher, five exec members looked on in confusion as one of their most popular assets went up in flames. More and more students offered helpful advice, with one advising them that water would not put out an oil fire. Eventually, a fire extinguisher was acquired from vicbooks. One student, claiming to be a volunteer firefighter, took charge of the situation, but set the extinguisher off in her face.

After the fire was put out, a second BBQ was rolled into action, but toppled over due a slight gradient, losing a wheel in the process. President Brady was overheard to say, “This isn’t happening, fuck my life”.

Vice-President (Academic) Bridie Hood told students passing by that the BBQ had been called off, 20 minutes after it was due to have commenced.

“You’ll either be poisoned by the foam, or the other one will blow up in your face,” Brady told them.

Campus Care later called Salient for more details on the two abandoned BBQs, and co-editor Elle Hunt did not delay in holding VUWSA accountable.

Official voter turnout figures were unavailable when Salient went to print, but it is estimated to be approximately 1800 students. Though this is only about ten per cent of the student body, it is almost double last year’s low turnout.

Bridie Hood was elected President for 2012, with 1449 votes to ensure a motion of no confidence could not pass against her.

“I would like to thank everyone for their support over their last few weeks and congratulate those who won their elections. 2012 is going to be a challenging year for VUWSA and I look forward to working with a strong Executive to insure VUWSA remains a strong and responsive students association,” said Hood following her election.

Hood also acknowledged the challenges VUWSA will face next year as the association adjusts to a voluntary environment.

“I will be spending the rest of the year alongside the current VUWSA Executive to ensure that appropriate structures are put in place for 2012. Although VSM poses a massive threat to the representation and services that VUWSA provides, we now need to look to the future and confront the challenge in front of us. VUWSA will survive VSM,”
she said.

Outgoing President Seamus Brady also congratulated Hood on her success.

“I have every confidence in Bridie’s ability to be a great President and lead VUWSA through a difficult year as they transition to a new environment. She’s achieved a lot as Vice-President (Education) so I look forward to seeing what she does next year,” he said.

Other results also came as no surprise. Ta’ase Vaoga held her own against a no confidence motion, succeeding in becoming Vice President (Welfare) with 1437 votes. Vaoga and Hood were the only Executive members from 2011 to seek re-election.

Josh Wright had a successful evening, winning each of the positions he stood for—Vice-President (Academic), Education Officer and one of two Publications Committee representatives. Assuming he takes up the Vice Presidency, Sam Vincent will become Education Officer.

The position of Treasurer was won by Science Society President William Guzzo. Former VUWSA President and 2011 NZUSA co-president Max Hardy was elected the Student Representative on the University Council.

Election night also saw the end of Seamus Brady’s tenure at VUWSA after being involved with the Association since 2008. He says it is a good feeling to be moving on.

“Despite losing my youthful good looks, I’ve loved (almost) every bit of my time involved and it’s incredibly satisfying to see how much VUWSA has grown over the past three and half years,” he said.

Alongside voting in the election, students were also asked about their opinion of VUWSA’s Strategic Plan, the first of its kind for the association. Of the 1827 who responded to this question, approximately 50 per cent felt “neutral” towards it. While only 32 per cent said they were “satisfied” with the Plan. This was the final round of consultation, which will now be discussed by the Executive and then voted upon at next year’s Initial General Meeting.

VUWSA Election Results

Position: President
Elected: Bridie Hood (1449)
Other Candidates: No Confidence (307)

Position: Vice President (Welfare)
Elected: Ta’ase Vaonga (1437)
Other Candidates: No Confidence (308)

Position: International Officer
Elected: Debbie Zhang (1407)
Other Candidates: Lisa Taylor (263)

Position: Vice President (Academic
Elected: Josh Wright (1038)
Other Candidates: Craig Carey (673)

Position: Queer Officer
Elected: Genevieve Fowler (1411)
Other Candidates: Emma Maddox (205)

Position: Treasurer
Elected: William Guzzo (902)
Other Candidates: Zanian Steele (473),
Bruno Simpson (309)

Position: Welfare Officer
Elected: Rory McCourt (871)
Other Candidates: Emma Anderson (526)
Kiran Matthews (339)

Position: Activities Officer
Elected: Andreas Triandafilidis (835)
Other Candidates: Kirin Matthews (463),
Lisa Taylor (371)

Position: Education Officer
Elected: Josh Wright (783)
Other Candidates: Sam Vincent (627)
Lisa Taylor (298)

Position: Campaigns Officer
Elected: Adele Redmond (1363)
Other Candidates: No Confidence (372)

Position: Women’s Officer
Elected: Sara Bishop (927)
Other Candidates: Isabella Whitfield (658)

Position: Clubs Officer
Elected: Reed Fleming (1460)
Other Candidates: Andrew Donnelly (261)

Position: Student Rep. on University Council
Elected: Max Hardy (1429)
Other Candidates: Lisa Taylor (244)

Position: Environmental Officer
Elected: Sophie Turner (1035)
Other Candidates: Harry Lusk (392),
Stu Miller (324)

osition: Publications Committee Representatives
Elected: Elle Hunt (1359), Josh Wright (673)
Other Candidates: Zanian Steele (275),
Keegan Platten (120)

The government has decided that it will no longer fund university preparation courses at universities but will continue to fund such courses at polytechnics and other training organisations. This means that Victoria University’s Certificate in University Preparation (CUP) will now be without funding.

Due to these cuts, Victoria management are proposing to cut the CUP altogether.

This means that students wishing to undertake university preparation courses in Wellington will have to attend Weltec, Whitirea, or a private training institute.

VUWSA is opposed to the closure and believes that students will be disadvantaged if they cannot complete these courses at university. They believe that an important part of these university preparation courses is being able to orient students at university and the services it offers, such as the library and support services.

Current CUP students are also opposed to the proposal.

“I took CUP in the first trimester of last year and it was the best decision I ever made. The skills they teach you in that course are so valuable to university as a whole,” said one student.

“Bridging courses into university mean that a diverse range of people can access university education. Moving these courses to polytechs removes this “bridging” function. Instead it creates another barrier to accessing uni if you are not being immersed in the campus lifestyle,” said another.

Despite facing the same funding problems, other universities have decided not to cut their preparation courses. The University of Auckland has chosen to fund their programme through its equity fund. The preparation programme at Waikato University is being run by Weltec but will be taught on the Waikato campus to allow new students to orient themselves with the campus.

VUWSA believes that Victoria should look into similar alternatives to avoid ending the programme.

The proposal to close the CUP is currently open for consultation before the final decision is made.

I now hear the term politics used on a daily basis in reference to rules and regulations and the games people play. What does this mean ‘the games people play’ and why does it cause so much frustration? One complaint that arises is people cannot do what they really want. Wherever they turn they find themselves jumping through hoops. Yes, there are rules and regulations, but it seems as though some people use these against the intended purpose by serving their own personal enjoyment.

I say personal enjoyment because it seems as though some people get a kick out of standing on top of others. They allow themselves to get into an argument only to show off their knowledge on a certain subject. It seems as though they think every person is out to get them. But do they really believe everybody is against them? This is where I think the root of the problem exists. These types of people are so absorbed by their own greatness they see the world through their own eyes, or as if they were looking through a mirror. It does not mean these people are bad, though some may be; it just stands as a fact that they most probably can’t see that they are trapped in a vicious circle.

What is the purpose of living a life defending yourself from people that are not against you? It is a fact that most of these people are not after what you have, it’s just they are seek help. Instead you give them the runaround or tell them what they already know; their desired answer. What is it are you trying to protect? Maybe you studied the system, learnt the right things to say and do, but never developed the character that was required of you. When you play a game, you play to win; this is where one’s character is tested. But what is the competition and what is your motivation? Every game has rules and these rules are in place to allow for a fair contest.

Politics exists for the people as a collective; not to serve an individual agenda. So therefore the rules are put in place so everyone may have an equal opportunity. They are not created to serve only the strong but they allow for the weak to compete. However people don’t understand this and the strong still use these rules to lord over the weak; by setting up their own perfect game. What will it take to break this cycle? It will be the people who understand the principle of equality; the first shall be last and the last shall be first.
Those who are prepared to go beyond playing the perfect game have the desire to serve rather than to rule.

Held this year at Victoria University’s Milk and Honey bar, the ASPA Awards are an annual event that recognises and celebrates the work of student magazines around the country, dishing out awards for categories such as Best News, Best Design and Best Humour.

Described as “witty, intensely self-involved in a rather endearingly self-deprecatory way” by Best Publication judge Simon Wilson of Metro magazine, Salient placed first ahead of second-equal winners Critic (Otago University) and Magneto (Massey Wellington).

The other big win of the night for the magazine was first place in the Best Cartoonist category, which was taken out by Dinocop creator Sam Northcott. Judge Al Nisbett described Northcott’s drawings as “fresh and energetic… with slightly manic themes” and even went as far to say that he “found himself smiling at them”. Applause from the Salient table for Northcott’s award was of equal, if not greater volume, as the response to the Best Publication announcement, complete with a standing ovation and hysterical screaming.
“Well, I suppose it is very good, yes,” Northcott said of his award.

Salient also picked up second placings for Best Unpaid News (Unpaid), Best Reviewer, Best Feature and Best Education Series, and third equal for Best Design.
To top off the enormously successful weekend for the magazine, the Salient Facebook page surpassed 2000 ‘likes’ on Sunday evening.

A full list of results can be found online at salient.org.nz/blog/aotearoa-student-press-association-awards-results

The group listed the erosion of democracy on campuses, the hiking of student fees, and the ACT Party’s VSM Bill which passed its final reading in Parliament last Wednesday as its main concerns.

“These measures threaten the university as a space for free engagement with people and ideas,” said Guy Cohen, the group’s spokesperson from Auckland.

Over 300 students occupied Auckland University’s business school on Monday in a rally which saw doors blockaded, a heavy Police presence and several arrests.
AUSA President Joe McCrory, who addressed the protest, said it showed “a student-led movement against Government attacks on students”.

Cohen labelled the occupation a success as it showed student unity and action still exists of university campuses.

A smaller-scale protest took place in Victoria University’s Hunter Building, with about 30 students staging a sit in outside Vice-Chancellor Pat Walsh’s office.

Salient had earlier been told by Hood that there would be shots at the meeting in order to make it a little more “fun”. To much disappointment, this was not the case. We can only hope that this is the only promise that 2012’s President-elect breaks.

There was a chipper mood in the air, probably due in part to the empty bottles of Coca Cola on the table. It is not known if Bourbon was also in the bottles. Either that, or the executive were just stoked to be in Salient’s presence. We like to think the best of people.

Brady sent his apologies for not attending, but Campaigns Officer Josh Van Veen was MIA. He also failed to submit a work report, to which the exec pointed out is the fourth or fifth consecutive time. JVV has not done anything for over a month, but, it was pointed out, he has not been paid.

Work reports passed with little comment—apart from Vice-President (Administration) Daniel Wilson’s incredulous question, “Jen went to a sex toy workshop?”
“Yes I did,” Education Officer Jennifer Fellows replied.

Wilson moved to officially affiliate six clubs to VUWSA: Indian Multi-Cultural Club, Society for Conservation Biology, Victoria International Theatre, Vic for MMP, Legalise Love (VUWSA’s support of which caused a stir at its AGM) and VUW Paintballers Society.

They then granted about $14,000 to various clubs and sports teams, and over $8000 in individual grants—most of which went to assisting members from Victoria’s Debating Society attend the World Universities’ Debating Championships.

VUWSA will be putting in a joint submission with the University against Steven Joyce’s change proposal, which will limit what the Student Services Levy can be spent on.
Hood then moved to congratulate Salient for their recent successes at the Aotearoa Student Press Association Awards, including the prestige of Best Publication. There was scattered applause from the exec.

Wilson then spoke of his time on the Publications Committee two weeks ago, which oversaw the appointment of 2012’s Salient co-editors, Vice-President (Welfare) Asher Emanuel and Ollie Neas. This was greeted with much louder applause. Salient looked to Hood to point out that 2011’s team were a hard act to follow, and were disappointed when no such praise was given.

The meeting closed after 25 minutes, with Salient sobbing “Why won’t they notice us?” into their hands.

Victoria University student Ben Craven has been selected as New Zealand First’s candidate for Wellington Central in the 2011 General Election.

Craven, 21, who is currently studying Philosophy and Political Science, will be one of the countries youngest candidates.

Standing on a platform of easing student loan repayments, he is advocating NZ First’s policy of matching student repayments dollar for dollar—on the condition that graduates remain in the country.

Craven has strong views about the current administration, and is against Voluntary Student Membership.

“This government has failed young people,” he said.

His candidacy has been endorsed by Winston Peters, leader of NZ First.

“He will more than hold his own against rival candidates in Wellington Central.”

The proposal for its removal has led to an outcry among Architecture and Design students,who see the wind tunnel as a “valuable pedagogical tool”, and claim there has been a lack of consultation.

“Isn’t that the only thing that distinguishes us from that other architecture school up north?” asked one student.

Indeed, according to Harriet Eberlien, President of STUDiO, Victoria is “one of the only Unis in the world to have one.”

Other students are more concerned with the detrimental effect its removal will have on their ability to learn. One second-year Architecture student told Salientthat “it would be a loss to the university, as the knowledge gained from wind tunnel testing … is invaluable.”

Computer technology cannot yet accurately replicate the effect of wind on buildings, so the removal of the wind tunnel would mean losing an important element of architects’ training.

Salient understands that the space is proposed to be redeveloped intoadditional studio facilities.

STELLA: Why do you want to be President of VUWSA?

BRIDIE: Next year is going to be a tough year and we need to ensure that we have strong leadership. VUWSA must remain a strong and responsive students’ association. I’m running for President because over my last two years as Education Vice President I have seen the important role that VUWSA plays within this University and it’s imperative that in the face of VSM and the challenges it poses we do not lose site of why we were established. We need experienced, committed and reliable leadership and I can provide that.

STELLA: What’s your vision for VUWSA in 2012?

BRIDIE: My vision for VUWSA is to create a students’ association that students view as important and want to be a part of. That means ensuring that students feel connected to the association by effectively engaging with them and regularly seeking feedback. It also means ensuring that VUWSA and the services we provide are responsive to student needs.

STELLA: How do you see VUWSA being funded in a voluntary environment?

BRIDIE: At the moment Seamus and the VUWSA Trust are in negotiations with the University regarding funding and many of those decisions will be made this year. However, how I see it working is that VUWSA can get funding in three ways. Firstly through the VUWSA Trust. The Trust is committed to providing VUWSA with a sustainable, yearly contribution. While this is nowhere near our current funding, it would be enough to ensure that we can continue providing representation and some service. The second way is through the University. We are currently in negotiations regarding funding and those discussions will be concluded within the next few weeks. The final way I see VUWSA getting funding is through user charges, which could be mean increasing the prices of things like lockers and carparks.

STELLA: How do you see the membership structure of VUWSA operating?

BRIDIE: Once again a lot of this will be decided this year, though if elected I hope and I’m sure I will have input into these discussions. How I see VUWSA membership operating is that there will be some services that are provided to all students such as representation and advocacy, regardless of whether or not they are VUWSA Members. However students that sign up to VUWSA will have access to services that non-members will have to pay more for or will not be able to access such as diaries, wall planners and cheaper Orientation tickets. It must be as easy as possible for students to joining VUWSA, which is why I support a $0 membership fee. I think charging a fee upfront creates an unfair barrier for some students. Especially given that the vast majority of students will be signing up at the start of the year when money is pretty tight and they won’t be able to add it to their student loan.

STELLA: VUWSA is going to have to reprioritise as it adjusts to a new membership and funding environment—what roles of the association will you be prioritising?

BRIDIE: The decisions about what VUWSA does and doesn’t do ultimately lies with the student body. VUWSA is the students’ association, run by students for students and big decisions such as these should not be made without adequate student consultation. For me, the most important thing that VUWSA does is provide representation. That was the reason why this association was created. But, luckily enough, representation is also not that expensive. If I had to choose a second area to prioritise it would be welfare. Without some of the welfare services that VUWSA provides such as the foodbank and the student advocate, students would drop out of the University. However, that’s not to say that clubs, rep groups and events are not important, they are. Any decision will be made with student consultation.

STELLA: Have you got any things you want to change within VUWSA next year?

BRIDIE: One of the main things that I want to do next year is carry out a governance review. We have had management and staffing reviews, which have had great results, so it’s about time we looked at governance. I also want to focus on ensuring that VUWSA remains sustainable in the future, so looking at new revenue streams and making VUWSA more financially sustainable.

The council passed recommendations to increase fees for domestic students by four per cent for 2012, which is the maximum fee increase allowed by the government.

The only opposition to the recommendations was from the two student representatives on the council—VUWSA President Seamus Brady and University Council Representative Conrad Reyners. Both spoke at length of the burden that the continual increases in student fees place on students, in that they create a disincentive to study and a future burden of debt.

“I feel it is imperative when we set fees that we are reminded of the impact that our decision will have on the lives of both students now and on our society in the future,” Reyners said.

Since 1997, gradual fee increases approved by the university each year have led to an overall increase of 100 per cent.

Reyners and Brady both expressed concern that these ongoing increases would soon prove detrimental to students’ access to study, especially equity groups such as women, Maori and Pacific Island students, who would be disproportionately affected.

“The question is: Does Get Amongst the Best equate to get amongst the richest?” Brady quipped.

In giving its reasons for recommending an increase, the University cited the financial constraints that reduced government tertiary funding for 2012 has created.
“We make this recommendation with reluctance, but within the context of government funding we have no other choice,” Vice-Chancellor Pat Walsh said.

Although recognising the problem these cuts pose to the University, Reyners and Brady both said that it was the role of the University to speak out against government cuts to tertiary education.

“The current funding situation is unsustainable and any solution must come from Government. It’s about time this University and others around the country took a firmer line and vocally reminded the Government about the importance of funding students and the sector appropriately.”

Despite approving the fee increase, most council members agreed that the current funding model was unsustainable, and radical changes inevitably need to be made.

Due to proposed government restrictions as to what may be classified as a student service by universities, the Student Services Levy was not able to be passed at this meeting.

Following the recent We Are the University protest, during which a large group of students protested in the Hunter Building, the fee-setting meeting featured a strong presence of campus security outside the building. Despite this increased security however, only a couple of students were present, and Chancellor Ian McKinnon said that it was the smallest public gallery he had seen.

Full copies of Brady and Reyners’ speeches can be accessed at vuwsa.org.nz.

The Forum attracted a large crowd, many of whom appeared to be genuinely interested in the candidates’ ideas. Unfortunately time constraints meant a number of questions went unasked and the final few candidates were rushed through their speeches.

This was particularly problematic as the final speakers were those standing for the most important roles within VUWSA—Treasurer, the Vice Presidencies (Welfare and Academic), and the Presidency—and were the candidates most students wanted to quiz.

Lone presidential candidate Bridie Hood told the crowd she wants VUWSA to remain true to the goals it established 112 years ago. She focused on financial sustainability; student representation; student engagement; and an active student community.

Both candidates for Vice President (Academic), Josh Wright and Craig Carey spoke knowledgeably of both VUWSA and the university.

Standing unopposed for Vice President (Welfare), Ta’ase Vaonga plugged her catchphrase a “visible, vibrant and viable VUWSA” and highlighted plans to encourage work with the International and Clubs Officers.

The forum saw three lively candidates for the position of Treasurer. William Guzzo spoke with great enthusiasm about reviving VUWSA while Bruno Simpson touted his business and accounting experience.

Zanian Steele made sweeping promises, stating he would cut VUWSA salaries and will resign if he cannot achieve this. Also standing for Publications Committee Representative, Steele received rapturous applause as he waved a copy of Salient and stated: “If you don’t want controversy, get the bloody Economist!”

Also standing for this position, Salient co-editor Elle Hunt stated her experience working with the magazine will give her the knowledge necessary to be successful in the position.
“And if they decide to sell it I will make sure they get a good price,” she said.

Most other candidates spoke informatively and enthusiastically with most emphasising the challenges VUWSA will face in light of VSM. The exception was Kiran Mathews, who said he had no idea what the Activities Officer did and had “no opinions or passion.”

Students can vote online or in person in the VUWSA General Election from the 26th to 29th of October.

Check out the Salient Facebook page for a link to the candidates’ video manifestos and the centre pull-out in this week’s issue for more information

A new OECD report has placed New Zealand tuition fees seventh highest amongst the 42 countries examined.

In top position is the United States with average fees over $7000. Japan, Korea and the United Kingdom closely following.
With fees averaging $3600, New Zealand came in just under Australia and Canada.

Law student Caleb McConnell has written a report on the subject. He comments; “it highlights what we already know, New Zealand tuition fees are high.”
Tertiary Education Union president, Dr Sandra Grey says “this is the trade-off between how much we feel students should contribute to their education and how much we’re prepared as taxpayers and as a Government to put into those institutions.”

Each year Victoria, along with universities across New Zealand has put fees up 4 per cent on average—the maximum allowed under the current Government regulated Fee Maxima policy.

Mr McConnell writes in his report that “it hardly gives New Zealand’s white collar workforce the perceived head start that a degree is supposed to bring.”
However Dr Grey commented to the Herald “we’ve had a big push in New Zealand for what is loosely called a mass tertiary market model which is the right of open entry so people do, if they want, have the opportunity to study.”

The OECD report also places New Zealand fourth on the balance between tuition fees, Government subsidies and scholarships, with the United States, Japan and Australia making up the top three.

This has caused concern for some politicians and has been highlighted by Green Party MP Gareth Hughes as a “worrying” trend.

“It is after all, your future that people like me are deciding here in Parliament, it makes sense that youth should vote for the people and parties that they feel will have the best impact on their future” he says.

A study released by the Electoral Commission on young non-voters identified five segments of non-voters based on their motivation, knowledge and attitudes.
These range from the “confident and convinced” segment, youth that have high motivation and knowledge about politics, through to the “politically absent” segment, young people who are on the opposite end of the spectrum with low motivation and knowledge.

Hughes calls for a dedicated amount of money from the Electoral Commission budgeted towards youth-focused enrolment programs.

“This isn’t just about putting stalls up on university campuses, it’s about getting to the working youth and the young people who are out of work as well.”

He urges people to encourage their friends to enrol by directing them to the Electoral Commission’s website, their Facebook page or printing out a form and getting them to fill it out.

For more information on how to participate in New Zealand’s democracy, go to elections.org.nz

The event hosted by NZUSA’s Tertiary Women’s Focus Group celebrated New Zealand students’ associations’ decision to join the Blow the Whistle campaign.
McGlashan, the campaign’s organiser, explained it is an attempt to combat family violence using sporting discourses and kiwi sportspeople as role models.
“Using the language of sport is a good way to connect with the part of the population who are hard to get to listen on the subject of family violence,” he said.
The campaign utilises sportspeople such as Richard Kahui on material distributed around organisations like rugby clubs and schools.

NZUSA’s National Women’s Rights Officer (NWRO) Caitlin Dunham said students’ associations were proud to be part of the campaign and could contribute to tackling violence at a grass-roots level.

“Tertiary sports teams are a breeding ground for national sports players, and sportspeople are community role models,” she said.

“If they get on board with this campaign it will show the public that violence due to sports is not acceptable and lead to a culture change.”

NZUSA has given $850 to the campaign which will purchase 1000 Blow the Whistle whistles, 2400 posters and 1400 coasters for use on tertiary campuses. The funding comes from their NWRO campaigns budget which the umbrella organisation of students’ associations said at its January conference should be spent campaigning against violence during the Rugby World Cup.

It shares this category with its counterpart femininity, and, of course, infinity, which is the answer to the common question ‘How many days will it take for Studylink to approve my student loan?’ At the most simplistic, fundamental level, masculinity is a product of biology—the subtle (and sometimes brutal) effects of testosterone and other androgens. Secondary sexual characteristics. Hair springing vigorously forth where once no hair had ever dared to tread, establishing darkened settlements at strategic points. However, of course, there’s much more to it than just masculine physicality. Masculinity as we know it is a cultural construct, essentially a collection of behaviours and attitudes that the society of the time dictates are acceptable for a male to perform or hold. Some aspects of this construct are universal—a masculine individual is expected to be physically strong, driven by logic rather than emotion, competent at manual tasks and possessed of a degree of that delightful antiquity, moral fibre. There have been attempts to codify it—the effects of the code of chivalry are still felt today, leading to quite complex matters of etiquette in the vicinity of doors.

Here in glorious New Zealand, masculinity seems to be centred around ‘staunchness,’ a near-fanatical devotion to our national rugby team (it is occasionally okay to substitute football, if we happen to be doing particularly well), a propensity for extremely short shorts, and the consumption of large quantities of beer. You’ll notice that most of these have some relationship to a commercial enterprise—that’s no coincidence. Far from the colonial days of New Zealand’s youth, when men were men and exerted their dominance over the natural world (with women, presumably, still being women, and doing much the same but sadly getting less credit for it), the vast majority of people, and certainly everyone likely to read this are now distinctly urban. To borrow the apt and insightful words of Ghostface Killah, niggas be as soft as babies made of cotton wool nahmean. In these distinctly gentle and commercial days, the main time we are confronted with issues of masculinity are the same time people are reminded of commitments to health or environmental awareness: when people are trying to sell us something. That reads, I realise, like some kind of vague condemnation—but it’s simply a statement of fact. Aspects of identity, such as masculinity, are manufactured, in many cases consciously developed purely to get stock off the shelves. People have been selling identity since time immemorial, and you can buy into whatever self-image you so desire. It’s simply that advertising based on the creation of a masculine ideal is slowly becoming more prominent, or at least more obvious. This is likely to be supported by the Rugby World Cup, especially if the mighty All Blacks manage to secure victory (it’s okay to dream). If this minor miracle takes place and the national spirit is aroused, we can all look forward to seeing a veritable multitude of famous biceps endorsing everything from cut-rate car insurance to full-length body pillows screen-printed with All Black legends. If the stars fail to align and the New Zealand collective masculine psyche is again dealt a crippling blow by those hand-wringing French bastards, have no doubt that marketers will be on hand to alleviate some of the pain. Possibly though a range of All Blacks-branded antidepressants.

Some examples, then. There is a proud history of masculine imagery in advertising. Look back long before your birth to see the Marlboro Man campaign, one of the most successful tobacco marketing ploys in history. Primarily depicting cowboys, which folk in the United States consider the ultimate, ur-masculine character, these ads were instrumental in popularising filtered cigarettes, the smoking of which was considered effeminate in the 1950s. The effectiveness of this campaign cannot be overstated—it netted them literally billions of dollars, which goes to show, if you haven’t noticed already, that masculinity is really quite a compelling sales pitch.

In a similar vein, there are some fantastic homegrown ads designed to make you want to consume substances. The obvious example here is Speights, a prestigious, allegedly Dunedin-based brewery that pumps out a fine array of the same mid-range piss that everyone else sells. Since the 1990s Speights has successfully centred it’s advertising around the character of the ‘Southern Man’. You know the one—an unshaven Frank Whitten (Grandpa from Outrageous Fortune, if you need a reminder) astride a horse, resplendent in matching brown overcoat and hat. The Southern Man embodies many of the aspects of traditional New Zealand masculinity: self-reliance, staunchness, a no-nonsense, down-to-earth attitude and a love for one’s natural environment. All and all, you get the impression of him being a such a hard cunt he’s practically an adult novelty diamond. RIP Frank Whitten, good on ya mate.

Another you might have noticed is the ‘Men Need To Know’ campaign being rolled out by Mammoth Supply Co. Their pitch sets out things that are and are not acceptable for a man to do. Prohibited behaviours include man-on-man umbrella-sharing, purchasing fashion magazines, and crying, except when playing the aforementioned French bastards. They’re refreshingly frank in stating “Man has lost his place in the world and his place in the fridge.” – these nostalgic appeals to bygone masculine glory are common but not generally that blatant. Either way, damn tasty ice cream, and who doesn’t get a hearty chortle out of saying ‘Man Yoghurt’?

Energy drinks deserve a mention. The sheer variety of them now on the market is astounding, but they all have two things in common. The generic something-berry taste, and the little blurb on the back. If you’ve ever found yourself bored enough to read the back of one of these brightly coloured cans, you’ll have noticed it says some variant of the phrase “Go on, take a sip of this highly sweetened fruit-flavoured beverage, if you think you’re man enough. It has caffiene.” This kind of direct challenge appears highly effective in stimulating consumer behaviour in adolescents, even if it is off-putting to everyone else.

On a more serious note, however, in recent years masculinity has been a target of Government health policy. Two notable examples stand out: the moving ‘Like Minds, Like Mine’ mental illness awareness campaign and the recent ‘Stay in Mantrol’ series of drink-driving prevention ads. The first of these, especially the 2002 ‘You make the difference’ segment featuring All Black legend John Kirwan, deals with some of the stigmas surrounding mental illness, and the role of masculinity in creating them. It is emphasised that seeking help is not a sign of personal weakness or failure to be properly self-reliant, and rightly so. The ‘Mantrol’ ads have a very important and serious message to convey (Young men are statistically highly more likely to die in alcohol-related road accidents), but come off as quite ridiculous. ‘Mantrol’, honestly? We’re all so used to the Police trying to scare the shit out of us with their ads by now that when they try to be funny it comes off as farcical.

So, those are some of the ways masculinity is treated in an attempt to change peoples values or behaviour. The list is by no means exhaustive—Every beer company has had a go, not to mention the endless metal-effect bottles of cosmetic products ‘for men’ that crop up on billboards in a yearly cycle. If this article has somehow traumatised you by confronting you with your lack of stereotypical masculine traits, don’t worry. Everyone thinks you are beautiful just the way you are, a staunch, muscular butterfly.

28 students were announced as contenders for the roles after nominations closed on Wednesday last week. This time last week, just five nominations had been received, and Salient predicted that the upcoming election “could well be a shambles”.

Incumbent Vice-President (Education) Bridie Hood is the sole nomination for President, Dinocop’s nomination having been deemed invalid by Returning Officer Jamie Beckers. Hood will instead fight it out against ‘no-confidence’.

Hood was the only executive to receive a five-star rating in Salient’s critique of the exec’s half-yearly work reports, and is one of just two incumbent VUWSA members running for a position again next year. This lack of experience could be trying for the association as it heads into a voluntary environment in 2012.

Students will have a chance to meet and question the candidates on Wednesday 21 September, from 12-2pm in the Memorial Theatre—and yes, there will be a BBQ.
A full list of the nominees can be found at vuwsa.org.nz

Victoria has recently released the results of its Student Experience Improvement Survey which it conducted in April and May this year. The survey aimed to give the university an opportunity to hear the ‘student voice’ in order to further understand students’ perceptions of the services the university provides.

Overall, 80 per cent of survey respondents rated all services and facilities at Victoria as ‘good’ or ‘very good.’ Students identified services that supported studying and living as the best performing and service areas, and services that supported enrolling and getting started as the services which need the most improvement.

However, there appears to be a disparity between students in taught courses and those engaged in research-based courses. The survey found “Research students appear to be somewhat dissatisfied with Faculty-based services.”

In terms of services and facilities that help students’ studies, the library was the big winner. Both students in taught courses, as well as research students, rated the library as the service that contributes most positively to their studies. Of taught students, 88 per cent were happy with the library resources and 86 per cent were happy with the library services.
Student computing services were also acknowledged to be of high value to students and their studies. However, 27 per cent of taught students also believed this to be the study-related service which needs the most improvement.

The survey found that the timeliness of information was a big issue for students and one that the university is underperforming in. In terms of enrolment, only 64 per cent of students were happy with the timeliness of communication over enrolment details.

Students also rated timely feedback on assignments as one of the most important features in helping their studies. However, alarmingly, only 47 per cent rated the timeliness of this feedback as ‘good’ or ‘very good.’

Communication of information with students was also found to be a particularly troublesome area. Students reported difficulty in finding information or the right person to talk to and generally lack confidence that information will be consistent across sources. Students also believe the University web site is targeted more towards prospective students than current students.

The survey also looked at the services provided which enhance student life at Victoria. vicbooks, Student Health Services, and cafes and food on campus were rated the most important in this regard. It was also the cafe and food services on campus which were judged most in need of improvement in this area.

Interestingly, in light of VSM, only 5 per cent of students saw services provided by the students’ association as the most important services on campus.

The survey results also included the university’s plans to improve in the areas identified by students—including the improvement of online information , research into what first-year students value at university, and the development of computing services.

The survey had 4150 respondents, all of whom are current students, and about 22 per cent of the student population at Victoria.

In a protest organised by union Unite, 150 to 200 students rallied against a number of changes and cuts being made to university programmes—the same ones which, as previously reported in Salient, saw about 300 students and staff protest in August.

Those who addressed the crowd criticised the ongoing cuts to courses and staff, claiming it was adding to the “death of education” at Victoria University. They also said that there had been little consultation or consideration of the academic consequences of the changes—particularly to the International Relations and Politics department.
“We are the University, it only exists because we are here. So why don’t we have a say?” said Amanda Thomas, an organiser and post-grad student.

Another student criticised the University for “systematically cutting courses and schools, while we continue to pay higher fees.”

Green Party Tertiary Education spokesperson, Gareth Hughes, spoke of a consistently underfunded tertiary education sector, leading to “death by a thousand cuts.”
“We’ve got to invest in our education if we want a prosperous economy,” Hughes said.

One lecturer, Megan Mackenzie spoke out saying they “had just as many questions as [students] do.” She also claimed the University’s promises that course pathways could still be continued after the changes were untrue, as staff members are leaving.

Following the demonstration, about 80 students entered the Hunter Building to deliver a letter to Pat Walsh, and a baby’s coffin signifying the death of education at Victoria.
The crowd armed with chants and placards were met with security guards on the stairwell, leading to a standoff between several students as they were physically prevented from entering the upper level.

After about 20 minutes of chanting—including “let us give our letter” and “hands off” in response to the guards’ handling of the protesters, no one from the University addressed the crowd.

Eventually several students pushed past the three guards, leading about 20 students to follow on to the upper level. More chanting proceeded, but soon four police officers arrived and the crowd immediately dispersed. Organisers were questioned, but no charges were laid.

Following the events Thomas claimed “there is a really bad culture of intimidation at Victoria, against students and staff speaking out.” She criticised Pat Walsh for “refusing to engage on our concerns.”

“We refuse to give up, and we will keep being active until our concerns are heard,” she said.

The protest was part of a National Day of Action to raise awareness of education cuts. It saw a group of 60 Auckland University students stage a sit-in at the campus library, resulting in the arrest of two students following smashed windows.

For photos and video of the protest check out facebook.com/salientmagazine or youtube.com/salienttv

VUWSA’s ‘Chew the Fat with Pat’ invited students to ask questions of Victoria University Chancellor Ian McKinnon and Vice-Chancellor Pat Walsh.
Both McKinnon and Walsh emphasised that their key goal was to ensure a quality overall student experience.

“We want our students to leave universtity with a qualification but also with a whole experience, which gives them confidence to move into whatever field they choose,” McKinnon said.

“That quality, of course, has a price tag.”

Walsh then provided students with an overview of how Victoria works to achieve this within the financial constraints placed on universities.

“We have had, over the last ten years, probably longer, anually a decline in the real value of government funding per student,” Walsh said.

“We are now funded at about 60 per cent of the level of Australian students.”

Ensuring quality is difficult due to the capped funding system introduced in 2007. Prior to this, university funding was funded on a ‘bums on seats’ basis. Now universities have to maintain student numbers at particular levels and are not allowed to raise fees by any more than four per cent each year.

“This creates problems as our fixed costs rise faster than our revenue,” says Walsh.

The forum then moved to a question session. Only a handful of students asked questions but these took considerable time, meaning VUWSA President Seamus Brady was unable to ask a number of questions sent to him by absent students.

One student asked about the recent tripling of Trimester Three courses. Walsh replied that in 2010 the university had to limit courses due to high student numbers which they could not fund. Then, in 2011, because “students are an unpredictable bunch” student numbers dropped and the university feared it wouldn’t have enough students for funding quota. As a result, the university added a number of courses to the summer trimester.

Another student asked what the university is doing to address the issue of large tutorial sizes. Walsh acknowledged this is a big problem and said this is a excellent example of how reduced government funding affects quality of education.

One student asked why there was a security guard at the door of the forum, believing this contributed to the ‘culture of imtimidation’ at the university and discouraged the voicing of student opinion.

Walsh passed this question to a staff member who said fees issues invoke strong student opinion, which “students express in a number of different ways.”
Several students also used this opportunity to voice their concerns on changes to the Gender and Women’s Studies and International Relations programmes.

Walsh also acknowledged the challenges that the relationship between Victoria and VUWSA will inevitably face in an environment of voluntary student association membership.
“We work in partnership with VUWSA. Under VSM, our relationship is no longer entirely in our own hands and we can’t make as free choices,” said Walsh.
A video of the forum will soon be available at www.vuwsa.org.nz

The club was established to raise awareness of the nationwide Campaign for MMP, which hopes to mobilise public support for the MMP electoral system leading up to the government’s planned 2011 referendum. The referendum, which coincides with the general election on November 26, will ask voters if they want to retain MMP or move to a new system.

Organiser Joe Beaglehole says the club was established to build support on campus, answer any questions that students might have and encourage them to vote.
“There are 100,000 young people not enrolled to vote, and that’s really tragic. So we’re really trying to fix that and get people involved,” he says.

They plan on having weekly stalls across all three of the major campuses, handing out flyers and have already begun announcements in lectures to raise awareness.
The club is currently in the process of officially affiliating with VUWSA, and is expected to do so in the coming weeks. A Vote for Change group is yet to make an appearance on campus.

For more information or to get involved check out their Facebook page ‘Victoria Uni Students for MMP’—and keep an eye out for Salient’s Politics issue for further information on the referendum.

For the 2011 graduates, it’s time to either commit to postgraduate study or finding a job. Every year almost 30,000 people living in New Zealand complete an undergraduate degree, and over 3000 of those are from Victoria University. That’s a lot of students heading into the job market. It’s easy to feel like a small fish in a tiny pond with thousands of other small fish, fighting for space.

Jessica Lee, a third-year Media Studies student, feels like one of those small fish. She is “scared” of going job hunting, because people have told her it is hard to find a job in the media, so Jessica has chosen to do a postgraduate qualification in journalism. “I feel that it will get me into journalism and give me contacts,” she explains. “I need that experience to get a job.”

A few years ago, an undergraduate degree was all people needed to differentiate themselves in the job market but now, with more people completing tertiary study, students like Jessica are feeling that it takes a postgraduate degree to secure a job.

Walking around Victoria, it’s not hard to find students feeling nervous about the job market, but there are also those who are feeling confident about their chances. Andrew Macdonald, a third-year student of computer science, is “pretty confident” that he will get a job in computer software. “There are a lot of jobs in this industry,” he comments. “It’s an increasing and expanding industry and a lot of the world revolves around computers.”

However, the computer science industry is not the only thing that has given Andrew his confidence. He has also worked for his father’s computer company for the past six years and has gained a lot of valuable experience.

As students, we hear horror stories of people who end up working at McDonald’s after graduating, but in reality, the success stories far outnumber the bad. Helena Cook works as a lawyer for the Health & Disability Commissioner, after graduating from Victoria University in May. It took her four and a half months to get the job. Upon leaving university, Helena’s views of the job market quickly changed: “I thought I would walk straight into a job because I knew people, but it took longer than I thought.”

Despite it not being how she expected, Helena kept looking. “I was job hunting for four months and applying for anything law-related at all. It was really disheartening putting out your CV and not knowing if people were going to read it and find you lame or really cool.” Helena ended up finding her current position on Seek.co.nz, but was surprised by how long the process took.

One of the biggest shocks for students entering the job market is the time the whole application process takes. Another student who experienced this is Dan Green, who graduated in May with a Bachelor of Commerce. “I was naïve about finding a job,” he says. “I thought it would be easier than it was. I was under the impression graduates had advantages over other candidates but realised experience is the currency companies work with.” Dan now works in a support role for a communications company.

While it did take both Cook and Green a few months, they are both happy in their roles. Both believe that their extracurricular experience bettered their chances in the job market.
Helena volunteered at a law firm while studying: “I just rung up and said I was free and would work for free. That made me feel a lot better about the job market because I was getting good experience.” She also established a community justice project that partners senior law students with community legal organizations, and volunteered at Women’s Refuge for four years. Helena believes this helped her in getting the job: “At my job interview they asked me how do they know I’m really passionate, and I said, Well look at the stuff I’ve done. It showed I was not all talk.”

Dan Green also volunteered at organizations to gain experience and to help him get a job. As students, there are a few tools available for you that can offer you advice and help you increase your chances of finding a job. Two of these tools are Student Job Search (sjs.co.nz) and Vic Careers (victoria.ac.nz/careers).
Vic Careers is a service that offers help with many aspects of your future career. They offer the Career Hub (an area for Victoria University students to find jobs), career seminars, CV help, advice and career expos to name a few things. So far this year over 2000 students have visited the careers office and a further 3000 have been advised by email. Vic Careers manager Liz Medford comments on the job market: “[It’s] has improved since last year, but it is difficult to say how long this will continue. By the end of July, this year 3,627 jobs were advertised on CareerHub, an increase of 55.6 per cent.”

Advice for future graduates
“Final year students should make an effort to attend career expos and employer presentations to get good understanding of the job market and what employers look for; they should ensure their CV is the best it can be by attending a workshop and getting it checked by our careers teams. Careers staff can also help them with their job search strategies and interview techniques”—Liz Medford, Manager, Vic Careers

“Get involved any way you can in what your passionate about… attend as many functions as you can and work your networks. Get as many business cards as you can… never lie at an interview or exaggerate, your integrity and reputation is paramount”—Helena Cook

“It’s not what you know, but who you know. Over 70 per cent of jobs do not get advertised. Start networking early and get a job; the more experience you have the better you look. It’s not personal and remember that you are an investment to them so pitch yourself that way”—Dan Green

“Check out internship opportunities, work experience and volunteer work as well as work on identifying skills, interest areas and preferred work environments”—Liz Medford, Manager, Vic Careers

The big V word—yes, sometimes volunteering at a company is the best thing you can do to gain experience and get a job. Try volunteering over the summer somewhere that is of interest to you. Also, make sure you don’t have unrealistic expectations of the job market. Realise that it will take time to find a job, and don’t get freaked out by your first rejection. Both Helena and Dan found it took them longer than they expected to find a job. Don’t wait till your summer’s over and the bills are stacking up—start now.
And, if you are still afraid of the graduate job market here are some statistics that should make you feel a bit better. According to Statistics New Zealand, the unemployment rate for people without a degree is double that of those with a degree. Technically, your degree has already halved your chances of being unemployed and minimized it to below 2 per cent.

Run in conjunction with NZUSA, the fono (conference) was hosted by Pasifika Students Council (VUW) and VUWSA’s Welfare Officer Ta’ase Vaoga.

The fono aims to discuss the issues and barriers that are faced by Pasifika students in Tertiary Education. It is also an opportunity to network with other Pasifika representative groups from other institutions.

This year’s fono was a huge success and resulted in some positive discussions, says PSC President Grace Hutton.

“The discussions had at the fono meant we were able to put an action plan in place for all of us to work on in our respective institutions, this will help strengthen pathways into tertiary education for younger generations.”

The next fono is planned to be held in April next year.

It was reported without amendment by 63 votes to 56 with the support of National, Act and United Future.
Despite multiple amendments being proposed by Labour, all were voted down.

Proposed amendments included pushing out the implementation date to give associations and institutions more time to adjust, and reviewing the law post-implementation to monitor its effects.

Roy said that students are looking forward to Voluntary Student Membership.

“They are very keen that they have the democratic choice to decide for themselves whether they want to belong or not. Not for the Labour Party to compel them to do so.”
Labour MP Chris Hipkins said this was “a lot of puffery” from Roy and she lacked a basic understanding of how Student Associations function.

“If the Act Party did believe in democratic process they wouldn’t be afraid of getting out there and campaigning for Voluntary Membership.” Instead they were legislating over students’ wishes, he said.

NZUSA Co-President Max Hardy said there had been a lack of leadership from the National Party.

“They have not fully fronted up and explained why they support it, and particularly why they are going against the overwhelming evidence and submissions received that showed just how destructive this Bill would be in practice.”

Labour had been trying to filibuster the Bill, but it now looks likely to become law and implemented from 1 January 2012.

Open to all Muslim students, staff members and members of the wider Muslim community, the centre, formerly located in the Kirk Building, has moved to 86 Fairlie Terrace.
The new centre has been collaboratively organised by Campus Services and Victoria International with the support of Acting President of the Muslim Students’ Association, Farid Rafie, who welcomes the support the centre will provide Muslim students, especially during Ramadan.

There are currently 250 students registered with the Muslim Students’ Association and the new centre includes separate prayer rooms for males and females, a kitchen, common area and internet access.

At time of writing on Thursday 8 September, five students had put themselves forward for one of the 16 positions on the executive, two weeks since nominations opened in mid-August.

With nominations closing on Wednesday, the upcoming election on Monday 26 September could well be a shambles. But, when grilled by Salient, VUWSA President Seamus Brady displayed a laissez-faire attitude, pointing out that most nominations were received on the last day possible last year.

Salient News Editor Stella Blake-Kelly almost managed to convince one student, who she found engaged in a public display of affection on a couch in the Student Union Building, to run. Like former Activities Officer Alan Young before him, the individual expressed interest in the bonuses on offer to members of the executive.

That’s right, there are executive bonuses! That’s correct! Like, executive bonuses! We’ve been told there are executive bonuses. You have until Wednesday to put yourself forward!

How to apply—Check out vuwsa.org.nz for more details!

Te Mana Ākonga, the National Māori Tertiary Students’ Association, attempted to lodge a claim with the Waitangi Tribunal, stating that the passage of the VSM Bill has not taken into account Māori interests.

The claim was been made by Te Mana Ākonga on behalf of Māori Students’ Associations, including Victoria University’s Ngai Tauira, and all Māori engaged in tertiary education.
“We have submitted this claim due to the negative impacts this Bill will have on Maori development and advancement. It highlights the prejudicial effects of this Bill against tauira (students) Maori in the tertiary sector and the impacts it has on the overall framework provided by students’ associations which assist in strengthening the support of tauira,” says Te Mana Akonga Tumuaki Jacqualene Poutu.

Te Mana Ākonga claim VSM prejudicially affects Māori students and defies the Treaty of Waitangi. They believe VSM will: diminish the right of Māori at university to form rōpū (a group or association); reduce the right of those rōpū to exercise Tino Rangatiratanga (self-determination); and weaken the right of Māori students to form a national representative entity.

They asked for an urgent hearing with the Tribunal and for it to recommend the Bill be abolished, and that provisions be made to protect Māori at university and their national representation.

They are also appealing to the Tribunal on the grounds that the government did not act in good faith by consulting with Māori students and did not conduct any research into the effects this bill would have on Māori students and their associations.

NZUSA support the claim and agree that research should have been conducted into the effects VSM will have on students.

The disgraceful fact remains that the government has done no analysis or real consideration of what impact this Bill will have on student services, student representation, and the quality of education for students as a whole,” says NZUSA co-President David Do.

The claim was presented to Parliament by Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell last Wednesday. He asked for the entirety of the Bill to be referred to the Tribunal. However, the motion was not supported by the House so will not be referred.

The Waitangi Tribunal was set up in 1975 and is designed to provide redress for actions of the Crown, such as legislation, which breach the Treaty of Waitangi. The Tribunal conducts a series of hearings and makes recommendations to the government who can then decide whether or not to act on them.

In a press statement released by the university last week, Yeoman claimed that the 2051 Rugby World Cup will feature a significant amount of robotic technology. Players taking to the field will be aided by bionic implants and built-in performance-monitoring chips, and the game will be monitored by robotic referees, linesmen and played with a rugby ball featuring radio frequency chips.

“There’ll be no more blaming the ref.”

Technology such as genetic engineering and advanced implants is already more widely-used in sports than one may realise, argues Yeoman, pointing to South African double amputee Oscar Pistorius’ London Olympics-qualifying carbon fibre prosthetic running blades as an example.

Although a team of half-human, half-robots may seem like the stuff of science-fiction, Yeoman says that the technology necessary to create these super athletes is already under development. “We are already using antimicrobial technology in shoes to keep them clean and prevent athlete’s foot.

“We’re also developing the means to create highly advanced nanobots (microscopic robots) capable of entering the bloodstream to feed cells and extract waste. Humans who have been injected with these nanobots will evolve into cyborgs and would make outstanding athletes.”

From athlete’s foot to cyborgs, these technological developments will also ensure a healthier team and less time on the bench for injured players.

“New therapies will cut recovery times from injury by up to 300 per cent and we can look forward to individualised pre-match drinks and non-invasive injections to optimise energy levels.”

Technology has a few surprises in store for audiences of the game as well.

“TV viewers will enjoy lifelike 3D images in their indoor or outdoor home theatre while for really dedicated fans, the ultimate experience will be staying at a hotel that’s part of the stadium complex.”

For those worried that these technological changes will make the game lose its ‘edge’, Yeoman points out that a number of games—including rugby—are already very popular as computer games.

But Yeoman, a Scotland supporter, is a fan of the game sans-cyborg for now as well. Having purchased tickets to the Scotland vs Argentina match, he’s hoping for a Scotland victory against the All Blacks in the final.

“…but that’s a wish rather than a prediction!”

The objective of the proposal is to establish a framework for how compulsory fees and student services are administered by universities. This framework aims to create transparency and accountability in decision-making on these issues.

Part of the proposal states the categories of student services that can be funded by compulsory service fees. These categories exclude a number of services that universities currently offer and are in strong demand.

The proposal states that service fees could cover advocacy and legal advice; careers information and guidance; counselling services; employment information; financial support and advice; health services; student media; childcare services; and sports and recreation services.

The Student Services Levy at Victoria currently covers most of these categories. However, it also covers accommodation services, Maori mentoring service Te Putahi Atawhai, Student Learning Support Services, new student orientation, and information technology services. These areas are not included in Joyce’s proposal.

Because these services are not included in the proposal it is conceivable that the university would have to find alternative sources of funding for these or would have to cut them altogether.

VUWSA President Seamus Brady is concerned that these changes will ultimately lead to a lack of quality student services.

“We’re concerned that the categories prescribed by the Minister are too narrow and leave little room for services that students have said they want to be funded,” he says.
A good example of this is information technology services which provides students with internet, email and printing services. In 2011, $1,660,195 of the funding for this service came from the Student Services Levy. If information technology is excluded from student services fees then this money would have to come from another source.

The new restrictions on levy spending will limit how VUWSA could transition into a voluntary membership environment. The option of the University funding some services through the Student Services Levy was being floated. However the prescribed categories do not allow for funding of many of VUWSA’s core services—such as representation and welfare—meaning VUWSA will have to find revenue elsewhere.

The implementation date of the proposed changes has drawn criticism from NZUSA co-president, Max Hardy.

“[Joyce] is expecting associations and institutions to adjust to a massively altered funding environment in just a few short months. They couldn’t have done much more to make this as difficult as possible for the sector to manage,” Hardy says.

“We hope that the Government has made an oversight and will be fully engaged in the consultation process.”
The Minister is currently seeking submissions from anyone who is concerned about the proposed changes.

Passing with only the Greens and independent MP Chris Carter opposed, it gives the Inland Revenue Department the right to recall the entire loan and allow them to take defaulters to court.

However, the Government is insisting it is not a “harsh” move, but rather will only be used to target individuals who consistently renege on their repayment responsibilities, when all other reasonable efforts have been exhausted.

The legislation also introduced a series of administrative changes which, come 2012, will see further advancement in the online management of loans and an additional annual administration fee of $40.

While these are welcomed by NZUSA, co-president Max Hardy says that new and increased loan administration fees mandated by the bill are an “unnecessary tax”, which will only make it harder for students to pay off loans and do little to ameliorate the growing student debt—due to hit $12 billion this year.

The original Bill contained some clauses which would see a shift from annual repayment obligations to pay-period assessments. Concerns were raised as to how it would have affected those students who worked more during the holidays and less during the term, because they would have been expected to make high weekly repayments due to having a ‘high’ annual income.

However, in response to student lobbying and recommendations by the Select Committee, the original draft was amended to ensure exemptions are provided for part-time and full-time students in such situations.

The Bill is part of a wider effort by the Government to recoup overdue student debt, mostly targeted at Kiwis living overseas who collectively owe about $183 million. A recent social media campaign and direct contact with wayward borrowers has seen overseas repayments rise 45 per cent compared to a year ago.

Dorner will be treating Victoria as an electorate in itself, as there are approximately 20,000 potential votes to be won.

The Greens@Vic campaign will involve a weekly stall, as well as meetings and a gig at San Francisco Bathhouse. Dorner’s intention is to “have a conversation directly with students about what issues are important to them”.

Younger voters form an important share of Green voters, with the latest Fairfax poll showing 17% of younger voters backed the Greens, as opposed to 11% overall.
Dorner believes the Green Party has policies that will directly benefit Victoria students.

One of these is a Private Members Bill currently in the ballot, which would create minimum standards for rental housing.
“This would see the end of New Zealand’s crap flats, and save many a frozen arse in future” he says.

Dorner is no stranger to campaigning for the student vote, having previously served VUWSA as Environmental Officer, as well as being the Green candidate for the seat of Pakuranga in the 2008 election.

Following constitutional changes decided upon at the VUWSA Annual General Meeting in August, the position of Vice-President (Administration) has been replaced by a Treasurer position.

This year students will also be given the option to vote ‘no confidence’ for those standing for University Council and Publications Committee representatives.
A new position of Vice-President (Engagement) was meant to replace both the Activities and Campaigns Officers, but it failed to be enacted at the AGM due to constitutional procedure. It is expected that this positional change will be in place for next year’s election.

Students must be enrolled and a full financial member of VUWSA in order to serve on the Association’s general executive, and vote in the election.
The nomination dates and polling week differs from those given in the VUWSA diary and wallplanner, with nominations closing at 4.30pm Wednesday 14 September, and polling taking place (online and at stalls) from Monday 26 September until 4.30pm Thursday 29 September.

More information on how to nominate oneself, the positions, and guidelines for campaigning is available online at vuwsa.org.nz.
For those for whom serving on the exec holds no appeal, VUWSA’s Publications Committee is also seeking to appoint a Publications Editor to oversee Salient in 2012.

The positions

Executive: Responsible for the strategic direction and governance of VUWSA, while working to further the goals of the association
President
Vice-President (Academic)
Vice-President (Welfare)
Treasurer
Education Officer
Welfare Officer
Women’s Officer
International Officer
Queer Officer
Environmental Officer
Campaigns Officer
Activities Officer
Clubs Officer
Publications Committee representative (2 positions)
University Council student representative

The propaganda:

Why you should run,
according to VUWSA
• Make a real difference to students’ lives and the University community
• Add value to your studies
• Unique chance to learn extra skills
• Have some real responsibility (“We’re not kidding”)

“Compulsory student services fees have increased significantly in the last few years, and I am sceptical that students have seen a corresponding increase in services. These changes will ensure students have a greater say in what these fees are used for,” says Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce.

The law allows the Minister to direct which services fees can be used for; make universities create decision-making processes involving students; and make them provide written statements for students which detail the spending on services.

If the Minister is not satisfied that an individual provider is complying with the directions he will have the power to place a maximum limit on the amount they may charge for student services.

Compulsory student services fees are charged by all universities. These fees are used to pay for services such as health providers, accommodation services and study support. At Victoria University, the Student Services Levy falls into this category.

The New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations (NZUSA) has welcomed the changes.

“It is essential that students have oversight over these levies. This is the best way to ensure that services are responsive to students and that levies are kept under control,” NZUSA co-President Max Hardy says.

The Bill also establishes Education New Zealand as a new crown agency to promote New Zealand as a destination for international students.

“International education is a vital part of our economy and we want to see that grow even further. The new agency is a key part of achieving this,” says Mr Joyce.

Held this year at Canterbury University, the Joynt Scroll is the New Zealand universities’ prepared debating championships, and is competed for annually by Auckland, Otago, Victoria, Canterbury and Waikato universities.

Other teams watched on green with envy as two Victoria teams debated the moot “That we should abolish all government restrictions and ratings on the content of entertainment media.”

Victoria 2, consisting of Nick Cross, Duncan McLachlan and Holly Jenkins, took out the competition, with Victoria 1, consisting of Asher Emanuel, Richard D’Ath and Paul Smith, placing second. Victoria teams 3 and 4 placed 11th and 7th respectively.

As well as first and second placings, Victoria blazed other areas of the tournament, with Smith winning Best Speaker and McLachlan highly commended. Smith was also selected for the New Zealand debating team alongside D’Ath, with Emanuel selected as a reserve. Judges Ollie Neas, Julia Wells, Cross and Jenkins were accredited at the competition. While Seb Templeton smoked the competition, winning the award for Best Adjudicator.

Victoria University have consistently achieved highly at the tournament, with this year’s victory marking the Debating Society’s 47th win since the Joynt Scroll’s inception in 1902.
Posting to their Facebook page, the society were blunt about their success, describing their winning streak as “Lance Armstrong-esque”.

Pat Walsh told Universities New Zealand’s Committee on University Academic Programmes there is “no doubt” that the length of the New Zealand Masters programme disadvantages New Zealand universities in terms attracting overseas students.

The suggestion that a Masters degree should only require one year—instead of the current two years—of post-graduate study like some programmes in Australia has drawn concern from unions.

NZUSA Co-President Max Hardy said his organisation is taking a constructive role in the discussion, but is concerned that nobody will benefit if changes are made solely for the purpose of monetary gain.

“It would be completely inappropriate for both domestic and international students to undermine the quality of our qualifications to get a quick buck from overseas students wanting a quick degree,” he said.

The Tertiary Education Union pointed out there are already some one-year Masters programmes in New Zealand, and that cutting research time could undermine the academic integrity of thesis-based degrees.

The union also questioned what implications such a change would have for the relevance of one-year Honours courses.

Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce has not ruled out the changes, which are being considered by NZQA.

The changes revolve around the credit accumulation process implemented in NCEA. Instead of the 42 Level 3 credits required currently, the admittance criteria will rise to 60 Level 3 credits from 2014.

The changes have been welcomed by Universities New Zealand.

“These changes will help to ensure the students achieving university entrance are better prepared for university study,” Professer Pat Walsh from Universities New Zealand said.
However, NZUSA co-president Max Hardy says the increase in requirements follows an “erosion of access to tertiary education” which has reduced accessibility over the past few years.

The range of subjects in which students can accumulate credits has also been broadened to include Religious Studies, Business Studies, Education for Sustainability and Home Economics.

However, these changes shouldn’t affect the majority of students, as universities have responed to funding limitations by selecting students based upon a criterion more rigorous than that posed by the NZQA.

With the prediction that student numbers will decrease by 13 per cent, the university has begun to review its courses and programmes in order to cope with a reduced budget.
The cuts in academic, general and technical staff would take place over three years, and see an 18 per cent reduction in staffing numbers from 1947 to 1596.

Tertiary Education Union national president Sandra Grey says the Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce has not made enough effort to protect the university.

“The university is an essential public infrastructure. It has a key role to play in the next year helping the city rebuild. It cannot do that without government support.”
The union says no additional funding has been made available by the Tertiary Education Commission or the minister, which will see in a shortfall of $12-18 million
next year.

The meeting on 25 August saw one board member move motions relating to the Academic Board’s role at Victoria. The first motion sought to re-affirm the Academic Board’s role in decision-making related to the university’s strategic plan and the second moved that all future restructuring be discussed by the Academic Board in order to fulfil its statutory requirements.

Following these motions, debate ensued reflecting the different interpretations of the Academic Board’s role in the Change Proposals which seek to disestablish academic positions in the Education, Philosophy and Political Science and International Relations Programmes as well as the complete disestablishment of the Crime and Justice Research Centre.
Debate centred around the purpose of the Academic Board in strategic and academic decision-making. The Board’s statute states that it shall consider “academic matters, which are deemed to be: the academic consequences of the University’s strategic goals… [and] the academic consequences of changes to academic structures.”

The member putting forward the motion stated that many consider the changes included in these proposals to be of an academic nature and involving substantial changes to programmes which would affect students. He argued it was the duty of the Academic Board to guide the University Council to allow it to run responsibly. VUWSA President Seamus Brady agreed and seconded the motion.

Those opposing the motion argued that the Academic Board’s role is to consider the strategic decisions of the university. They argued changes in staff and academic focus occur continually and do not need to be discussed by the Board.

They also emphasised that changes in the International Relations Programme, which will see a shift in focus to the Asia Pacific region, are in line with the strategic plan which the Academic Board has already approved.

They stated that the purpose of the changes is to build the programme by enhancing the range of courses offered and emphasised that the changes will not remove any courses. But those in support of the motion argued that it is impossible to make staff changes without affecting students.

Tertiary Education Union Organiser Michael Gilchrist attended the meeting. Vice-Chancellor Pat Walsh said he would not set a precedent by allowing a union spokesperson to address the board, but Gilchrist argued he was enrolled at Victoria as a PhD student and therefore was entitled to speak.

Gilchrist accused the Board of making changes in the university’s academic direction under the justification of restructuring. He stated that interpretations of the change proposals are being used to form the basis of the recommendations and therefore these interpretations should be discussed by the Academic Board.

Despite few members speaking in favour of the motions, voting was fairly evenly split over the issue as both motions were defeated by only a couple of votes.

The meeting began when a quorum of 100 students was reached at 1.15pm. Of the executive, only VUWSA Education Officer Jen Fellows was absent and provided her apologies.

The meeting quickly moved through the procedural items on the agenda, passing the 2010 AGM Minutes, the 2011 VUWSA Half-Year Report and the Statement of Accounts in quick succession.

One student raised concern about students’ ability to really scrutinise the Half-Year Report.

“It’s a pretty detailed document… it would be good to have [more than] half an hour or so to read it first,” he said.
VUWSA President Seamus Brady said the reports would ideally be available earlier and blamed the delay on “production problems.”
At this point, the meeting shifted to technological problems as Brady failed to successfully change his powerpoint slide.
“The technology appears to have broken,” he told students.

The meeting then considered the proposed changes to VUWSA’s Constitution. The first was uncontroversial and students voted to support the title change from Vice-President (Education) to Vice-President (Academic).

There was a certain irony in the second amendment which saw Vice President (Adminstration) Daniel Wilson speak in favour of disestablishing his own position. Students supported the change which will see this position be replaced with the position of Treasurer in 2012.

Technical changes were also made to allow students the option of voting ‘no confidence’ in VUWSA elections when voting for the Publications Committee Representative and the University Council Representative.

The final change to be approved was to allow online voting for motions in Special Representative Councils, which received considerable debate.

At this stage one hungry student asked Brady, “Hey man, when’s the feed?”

Following this interruption, Brady attempted to move that all constitutional changes be adopted but stumbled over the motion and was saved only by Clubs Officer Jeremy ‘Jezza’ Peters, who managed to successfully express himself.

Daniel Wilson then moved a motion that VUWSA award Dave Guerin life membership, which was passed. Guerin is the current Chairman of the VUWSA Trust and was president of VUWSA in 1993.

The meeting then moved to other business which allowed students present to engage in significant debate.

VUWSA Queer Officer Tom Reed moved that VUWSA actively support the Legalise Love Campaign. This campaign seeks equality in marriage and adoption laws for same-sex couples as well as preventing homophobic bullying.

A motion was also put forward by student Stella Blake-Kelly which asked that VUWSA engage in a consultation process with students over the potential changes to the association, should it be forced to operate in an environment of voluntary student membership. It also asked for any recommendations from this consultation to be voted upon by students at a general meeting.

Both of these motions were met with considerable debate but were eventually passed.

The meeting was closed at 2.01pm which was the cue for students to dash for the free pizza, Red Bull and sausage sizzle.
“I had to wait an hour for this pizza so I’m glad there was lots,” said one student.

Some students were satisfied with the meeting. “I am really glad the Legalise Love thing passed, it’s a great cause,” said one such student.
Others were less impressed.

“At times they appeared to have no idea what they were supposed to be doing,” the student said.

The article on page 10 provides more information concerning the debate around motions on online voting, Legalise Love and VSM.

The amendment means that a motion which is put forward at an SRC can be voted on by students through an online system. If a motion is put at a physical SRC with at least 20 people, the motion can be debated and then put electronically to students. They will be emailed a link to a voting page, along with any relevant documents and video footage of the meeting.

For the motion to be approved, it requires support from a simple majority of 5 per cent (approximately 1000) of VUWSA’s members.
When this issue was opened to the floor for discussion, one student expressed concern for the requirement of 100 students’ signatures to call an SRC. She believed this was a potentially unattainable target for minority groups who may wish to pass a motion without the support of the executive.

Others in the crowd believed the target was set at a reasonable level.

“It seems reasonable relative to the whole Vic population,” they said.

VUWSA President Seamus Brady acknowledged the concerns but emphasised that the new online system would only really be used a last resort.

“It is really to provide better scrutiny of the issue as a safeguard,” he said.

“I’m very pleased that the motion allows for online SRC voting to be passed, as it will allow more students to actively engage in the policy setting of the Association and for that policy to be more robust and representative,” Brady told Salient.

Debate occurred again when VUWSA Queer Officer Tom Reed moved a motion for VUWSA to “actively support” the Legalise Love campaign. Legalise Love has been established to lobby for equal marriage and adoption laws for same-sex couples, as well as to oppose homophobic bullying.

Many students felt they needed more information about the campaign before they could decide if they wanted VUWSA to support it. Others were also concerned that “active support” would translate to financial support.

Vice-President (Welfare) Asher Emanuel pointed out that the goal of equality was already a principle held by VUWSA.

“The campaign’s principles align with VUWSA already… it doesn’t have any secret campaigning strategy like burning down buildings… if they do begin to act in this way, we can vote again to remove our support,” he said.

Finally, students engaged in discussion over VUWSA’s plans to respond to function under Voluntary Student Membership.

Student Stella Blake-Kelly moved a motion that VUWSA engage in a consultation process with students over the potential changes to the association in light of VSM

She further moved that the recommendations made in this process be voted on by students at a future general meeting.

“The debate is no longer if VSM is coming, but when,” she said. “And VUWSA has not yet presented students with options of how it could function in a voluntary environment.”

Some within VUWSA took issue with Blake-Kelly’s claim that VUWSA has not been planning for VSM.

“VUWSA has been consulting with the university but for many reasons, some legal, these plans have not been communicated with students,” said Emanuel.

Brady also stated that the University, “a slow-moving beast”, is unwilling to take action on the issue until the law is passed and it is certain that VSM will eventuate.

Despite the lively discussion over these issues, all passed with a large majority.

Prez Seamus has done, in his own words, “lots” so far this year, and indeed, there’s no obvious padding in his extensive, 15-page work report. That he’s often in his office until 10pm, his dedication to the role. Seamus has continued to improve the relationship between VUWSA and the University; overseen the best O Week festival in the country; and actively worked on improving engagement and communication between VUWSA and students. He’s represented students’ interests on a number of national boards, and moreover, he’s fulfilled the diplomatic part of presidency very well—especially compared to his predecessor Max “Power” Hardy. But for reasons unknown—perhaps lack of confidence, or a sense of resignation to the inevitable—he has been unwilling to do much more than go with the tide. Seamus has failed to rock the boat, even though the likely implementation of Voluntary Student Membership next year has meant that it really was necessary. Looking at the media coverage that Otago University Students’ Association president Logan Edgar managed to reel in for the CSM cause, he could have been a little more outspoken. Overall, though, Seamus has been an excellent captain, keeping VUWSA on an even keel after many years of stormy weather. If Max and Seamus’ legacy is upheld next year, VUWSA is in good hands.
Rating: 4/5
Fun fact: Seamus’ office is full of dead ladybirds!

Bridie Hood, Vice-President (Education)

Bridie, the star of VUWSA 2011, is in the Association for all the right reasons. Consequently, her work report reflects work that she has done: there’s no sense that she is exaggerating her achievements. She has single-handedly revitalised the class representative system, transforming it from a token, tiresome gesture at the start of each course to a real, legitimate chance for students to have their voices heard. In Trimester 1 of this year, 91 per cent of classes had class reps, and just under 80 per cent of them attended a class rep training session; there are now even scholarships to reward them for going above and beyond the call of ‘class rep’ duty. That’s huge, and that’s more or less entirely Bridie’s doing. She’s been a genuine advocate for students, and has ensured that they have a real, legitimate voice within the University. So far this year, Bridie has clearly been Seamus’ right-hand woman, following on from a relationship they built in the Vice-Presidents’ office last year. This goes to show what can happen when people see VUWSA as an ongoing commitment, rather than a year-long term. Bridie is passionate, tuned-in to other parts of student culture and society, and genuinely believes in the importance of VUWSA and tries to convince others of the same.
Rating: 5/5
Fun fact: Bridie looks a lot like Uther’s sister Freya!

Asher Emanuel, Vice-President (Welfare)

Asher is working on a huge deficit of hours that he is unlikely to make up over the course of the year. However, that he has managed to achieve such a considerable amount regardless highlights the flaws in VUWSA’s quantitative methods of assessing work. Calculating work in hours encourages exec members to pad out their fortnightly work reports with ‘tasks’ such as responding to emails and checking voicemail messages. Asher’s work to date proves that it is possible to make a difference within VUWSA despite apparently not being on top of his workload. Together with Welfare Officer Ta’ase Vaoga, Asher has improved the profile of VUWSA’s welfare-related services (especially at the satellite campuses) immeasurably. It’s also reassuring to see that he looked outside of Victoria University for ideas as to how to improve initiatives such as the VUWSA Food Bank. His position as a newcomer to VUWSA has enabled him to identify and address the Association’s weaknesses clinically, efficiently and without undue emotion. Moreover, as was demonstrated at the VUWSA AGM last week, Asher—a DebSoc veteran—is easily the Association’s most effective and convincing communicator. And today, more than ever before, VUWSA needs more effective and convincing communicators. Keep up the good work Emanuel.
Rating: 3.5/5
Fun fact: According to his IMDB profile (yes), Asher starred in an episode of Shortland Street in 2008 as ‘Harley Henley’!

Daniel Wilson, Vice-President (Admin)

Kudos to Daniel Wilson, this year’s Vice-President (Admin), for admitting that his role is one of the most useless in the VUWSA exec. Vice-President (Admin) was first instated as a paid alternative to Treasurer, and has since become more or less redundant since VUWSA’s appointment of a general manager at the end of 2009. Consequently, it will be dissolved next year. As the Association’s final Vice-President (Admin), Wilson claims to have made VUWSA more accountable, and to have reduced expenditure on sports and cultural councils. He has also played a lot of Minesweeper. It is worth noting that one of Wilson’s chief responsibilities was to organise and oversee the Publications Committee, which governs Salient, but he has failed to attend at least two meetings and has had minimal engagement with the publication. Also, he identified his sole weakness as an initial lack of institutional knowledge—though this has since been rectified. Phew! Daniel’s done a passable job as VUWSA’s last Vice-President (Admin), but not enough to convince us that the position needs to be retained in 2012—though this is more the institution’s fault than his. Good on him for acknowledging this.
Rating: 3/5
Fun fact: Daniel is a big fan of Neil Patrick Harris!

Jennifer Fellows, Education Officer

Education Officer Jennifer Fellows’ relationship with Vice-President (Education) Bridie Hood has been the most efficient of the entire exec, with the two working to ensure quality academic support and representation for students. Jen has been proactive and helpful, as typified by her work on the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science and Faculty of Architecture and Design boards. Fellows is a worthy addition to the general exec team.
Rating: 3/5

Ta’ase Vaoga, Welfare Officer

Working alongside Vice-President (Welfare) Asher Emanuel, Ta’ase has improved the profile of VUWSA’s welfare services across Victoria University. She helped out with study week breakfasts and flu shots, and also organised a trip to Christchurch to help out post-earthquake. Vaoga has also enthusiastically contributed to other areas of VUWSA outside of welfare.
Rating: 3/5

Jeremy “Jezza” Peters, Clubs Officer

As Clubs Officer, Jezza has had an active presence within VUWSA. He has ensured that the relationship between the Association and clubs has been smooth: both Clubs Week and his Meet and Greet were well-attended. He was also the sole exec member to give a detailed justification of his application for a bonus.
Rating: 3/5

Campbell Herbert, Activities Officer

The ‘wildcard’ of the exec, Campbell resigned from VUWSA at the end of last trimester in order to go to Germany on exchange. His last column in Salient criticised the structure and functions of VUWSA, but this was seen as an extension of his trolling the exec in a misguided attempt to hold them accountable. In his half-year report, Herbert acknowledges his being “outspoken” as a weakness that “can often lead to dissent”.
Rating: 2/5
Fun fact: Campbell Herbert appeared in an ad for
cheese in a spray can called ‘Mr Cheese’!

Josh Van Veen, Campaigns Officer

Campaigns Officer Josh Van Veen started the year off well, organising a lively launch to the Education Action Group with guest speaker Winston Peters. However, the rest of Trimester 1 saw little promotion of public debate, though this is likely due to Van Veen’s illness. This has also seen him miss half of the general exec meetings so far.
Rating: 2.5/5

Tom Reed, Queer Rights Officer

Tom has had an active presence on campus, organising Pink Shirt Day, creating and facilitating the Safe Space training programme, and organising queer mentoring. His involvement with UniQ is obvious and commendable, but the promotion of their events could have been improved.
Rating: 3/5

Haley Mortimer, Environmental Officer

Environmental issues have not featured prominently on campus so far this year, and Mortimer’s designated Environment Week passed without comment. Perhaps more concerning is that this was not questioned by the general exec. Also: VUWSA has a vegetable garden?
Rating: 2/5

Andy Gao, International Student Officer

The role of International Student Officer within VUWSA has always been problematic, and this year has been no different. The position aims to actively engage with international students, but international students’ needs are dealt with primarily through a specific council, so it seems like the role exists purely for the sake of political correctness.
Rating: 1.5/5

Necia Johnston, Women’s Officer

As Women’s Officer, Necia has continued with the initiatives her predecessor established in 2010. She has also mobilised and maintained a small group of interested individuals as part of VUWSA Women’s Group, but this affects a small number of Victoria’s student body, and it must be questioned whether the role of Women’s Officer is worth retaining in the long-term.
Rating: 2.5/5

In a submission on Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Public Transport Plan they called for concession fares for students on buses and trains.
The goal of the policy is to encourage a rise in the use of public transport.

“Patronage has not been growing in recent years, partly as a result of reliability issues and fare increases,” the submission said.
VUWSA and Victoria University will both be arguing for concession fares for students in oral submissions on the Plan this week.
“VUWSA and Victoria have been calling for affordable public transport for students for years, but the Regional Council hasn’t moved,” VUWSA President Seamus Brady said.

“The average student has a weekly income of around $240. Many can only work part time (if at all) and most of their income is eaten up by rents, flat expenses and travel costs getting to study or work.”

Wellington is already late to the game on helping its students out, with Auckland tertiary students having their transport subsidised, and ones in Palmerston North getting it free.

Brady will likely have a tough time convincing some Regional Councillors like Peter Glensor who questioned the proposed concession fares.
“Why is a university student more needy than a person earning the minimum wage?” Glensor asked.
However this view is not shared by all the Regional Councillors.

Councillor Daran Ponter voted against fare increase in June, citing unfairness to students as one of his objections.
He suggested at the time that lowering off-peak fares could be one way to help students and other vulnerable people like those who are unemployed.
Concern about the issue has also been voiced from Parliament, with Labour MP Charles Chauvel calling for a freeze on fares at the time of the increase.
“At a time when people are struggling to make ends meet, for those who rely on public transport to get by, this will be a heavy blow,” Chauvel said.