Issue 1
Te Aka Tauira Welcome to the first issue of Te Aka Tauira Otago’s new undergraduate student newsletter to keep you posted on what’s happening around the University, celebrate your achievements and share handy tips for student life at Otago. The name, Te Aka Tauira, translates to mean the vine for students and originates from the story of when Tāwhaki climbed the vine to reach the heavens. In the story, Tāwhaki and his brother, Karihi, meet with their grandmother, Whaitiri, who guards the vines that form the pathway into the sky. Karihi unsuccessfully attempts to climb the vines and makes the error of climbing up the aka tāepa (hanging vine). He tragically falls to his death. Following advice from Whaitiri, Tāwhaki then climbs the aka matua (parent vine) and reaches the heavens and receives the three baskets of knowledge. In your journey here, we look forward to seeing you choose the vine that will best set up your future and enjoy sharing in your adventures here. If you have anything you would like to share in future issues, get in touch using communications@otago.ac.nz
Meet your OUSA 2021 President Ko Tararua, Ruahine ōku maunga Ko Ōtaki, Waikawa, Ohau, Manawatū, Rangitīkei, Ōroua ōku awa Ko Tainui te waka. Ko Ngātokowaru te marae Ko Ngāti Pareraukawa te hapū Ko Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga te iwi. Nō Kāpiti me Waiharakeke ahau. Ki te taha o tōku whaea, nō Ōtaki ahau; Ki te taha o tōku matua, nō Suva, nō Fiji ahau. Ni sa bula vinaka. The Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) 2021 President is Wellington-born student Michaela Waite-Harvey. Michaela is currently completing her Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Classics). We took a moment to ask Michaela a few questions about why this role is important and what she would like to achieve as President in 2021.
Why did you want to become OUSA President?
There hasn’t been an OUSA Māori Student President since 1998, nor has there been a Pasifika one - until I took on the role. I think this is important representation when working with our partner agents and also for ensuring that those in minority groups are represented. I am the first person in my family to go to university and I want to remind people the tertiary landscape is evolving. I want to use this opportunity to empower others like myself. In high school I realised that advocacy was one of my strengths. My friends and I created the first queer students support group and lobbied for the schools’ first transgender bathroom. I plan to continue using my advocacy skills to support minorities at Otago too. Last year I was an OUSA Equity Representative and began working on important projects. I’m not the kind of person to leave things unfinished and taking on the role of President will allow me to see those through.
What do you feel are the main issues currently faced by students?
I think that external stress on students is particularly high in the modern world. Workloads are constantly increasing and alongside the pressure caused by COVID-19, it can be hard for students to gauge work-life balance. Dealing with study, living costs increasing, fees increases and relationship pressures is a lot for students to contend with. I wouldn’t say that this is new but I would say it compounds year on year. I think we are already starting to make changes for students especially with blended learning. Now that we have experienced online learning, we’ve learnt it makes education accessible for students who also work, have kids, when students are unwell and so on.
What are your aims for this year?
One of the goals that myself and OUSA have this year is drug harm reduction. OUSA is one of the first organisations to openly test drugs as part of this. During O-Week, we partnered with Know Your Stuff for drug testing which saw 70 per cent of tested drugs discarded. I would also like to work with the University on creating a more peer-driven approach to student offenders. I like a restorative process with a focus on helping students reintegrate back into the student community safely.