the
2013
V U W S A
General Election W E D
3
T O
F R I
5
OCT
Vote for your student representatives on campus!
2012
PROVISIONAL RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT 6PM IN THE HUNTER LOUNGE ON FRI 5 OCT.
Should VUWSA support the Marriage Equality Bill currently before Parliament? On 12 September at the VUWSA SGM a motion that VUWSA actively support Louisa Wall’s Marriage Equality Bill passed with overwhelming support. No student spoke against Marriage Equality, though some voted against, citing that VUWSA could not accurately represent all of its members’ views on this issue. Following the SGM a student requested a referendum on VUWSA’s support of marriage equality, which the VUWSA Executive accepted. The above question will be put to a referendum that will occur simultaneously with the VUWSA general election. Members will be able to vote in favour, in opposition, or abstain by skipping the question.
ELECTION2013 GUIDE
THE
PRESIDENT ( 40 ho ur s per week )
The President is responsible for ensuring that VUWSA, as an organization, meets its strategic and constitutional goals. They are responsible to the Executive and members for VUWSA’s operations (including Advocacy, Welfare, Representative services, Clubs, events, student media and all services provided by the VUWSA Office). The President is responsible for chairing and providing leadership to the VUWSA Executive and ensuring that the Executive are acting transparently and being accountable.
PO S I TI O NS
Clubs and Activities and Campaigns Officer. They work to build a strong student community through events, activities, campaigns and discussion, working alongside satellite student representatives both within and across campuses. They are responsible for helping any new Representative Groups start on campus. The EVP works with relevant groups in the community on issues affecting students and helps to build and strengthen VUWSA’s role in the wider community.
TREASURERSECRETARY (10 h ou r s pe r w e e k )
ACADEMIC VICE PRESIDENT ( 20 ho ur s per week )
The Academic Vice President (AVP) heads the Education Team and is responsible with the President for the strategic direction of student representation on campus. They work with the Education Officer and relevant staff members to ensure that Student Representation works effectively at the University and that all representatives feel well supported and informed in their roles. They also have a key role in ensuring the University provides quality Teaching and Learning across all levels of study. They maintain a close relationship with Education-based Rep Groups.
WELFARE VICE PRESIDENT ( 20 ho ur s per week )
The Welfare Vice President heads the Welfare Team and is responsible for ensuring that VUWSA provides a diverse and appropriate range of welfare based services to members and students. They work closely with the Welfare and Sustainability Officer and the Equity Officer to ensure that students are provided with the right services and support to ensure their time at Victoria is the best it can be. They work closely with VUW Student Services and Welfare-based Representative Groups on campus.
ENGAGEMENT VICE PRESIDENT ( 20 ho ur s per week )
The Vice President (Engagement) (EVP) heads the VUWSA Engagement Team and is responsible for ensuring that there is strong communication and opportunities for involvement between VUWSA, its members and students. They lead the Engagement team and work closely with the
This Officer role contains the duties of both Association Treasurer and Association Secretary. They are responsible for working with the relevant staff members and the VUWSA President to develop the annual VUWA budget. They chair the Audit and Finance, Executive Reporting and Publications Committees. They are also an ex-officio member of the VUWSA Trust along with the VUWSA President. The Treasurer-Secretary is the Secretary of the Association and responsible for ensuring that all minutes and Association documentation is up to date and accessible to members. They work to ensure that VUWSA remains efficient and accountable, through regular reporting and strong policy.
General Executive EDUCATION OFFICER (10 h ou r s pe r w e e k )
The Education Officer works closely with the VicePresident (Academic) regarding academic matters within the University and student representation. In particular the Education Officer works closely with education-based rep groups, seeking feedback and supporting their activities and initiatives where appropriate. They also take an active role in supporting and training Class Representatives and where appropriate working with the Campaigns Officer to run education based campaigns.
WELLBEING & SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER (10 h ou r s pe r w e e k )
The Wellbeing and Sustainability Officer works alongside the Welfare Vice President on issues relating to student financial, health, environmental and mental wellbeing. They help to deliver welfare and sustainability initiatives such as Free Flu Shots, Stress Free Study Week and Environment Week on campus. Where appropriate they work with the Campaigns Officer in running welfare and sustainability-based campaigns. This officer has a
particular role in the issues that crossover between student welfare and sustainability. This includes the issues of more warm, dry accommodation and increasing the affordability of public transport.
EQUITY OFFICER (10 h ou r s pe r w e e k )
The Equity Officer is tasked with ensuring that all students have equal access to services, support, academic success and participation opportunities at Victoria University. The Equity Officer has a strict focus on welfare issues that affect students within Victoria and the University Community. They maintain close relationships and work alongside specific groups on campus including Maori, Pasifika, women, queer, international and disabled students, generally through the Rep Group structure, to ensure equity, access and support.
CLUBS & ACTIVITIES OFFICER (10 h ou r s pe r w e e k )
The Clubs and Activities Officer works with the Engagement VP to ensure that all students have an outstanding student experience. In their Clubs role, they have a close relationship with Recreation Services and work to ensure that clubs on campus are well supported and have access to facilities and resources that help develop a vibrant campus on campus. In their Activities role they organise activities and events across all VUW campuses, as delegated by the Executive and works to assist student groups on campus in organising and running activities.
CAMPAIGNS OFFICER (10 h ou r s pe r w e e k )
The Campaigns Officer is responsible for running, and helping other Executive members to run campaigns on campus and in the wider community. In particular they work closely with the Education and Welfare and Sustainability Officers to ensure the smooth running of any relevant campaigns. They work alongside the President and Communication Coordinator (staff member) to ensure VUWSA has a strong message on student based issues in the community and media, particular around Budget Day and University Fee Setting.
PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE Two students are elected to the Publications Committee which is responsible to the VUWSA Executive and is tasked with the oversight of Salient. Due to an administrative error on VUWSA's part, candidates will not be announced in this publication. Candidates will be released when polls open.
All General Executive members are expected to attend Executive Meetings to represent the views of students. All members have shared governance and strategic leadership of VUWSA. They are expected to attend all VUWSA and University meetings and assist with VUWSA events as required throughout the year, to get involved with VUWSA campaigns and to run their own initiatives with assistance as needed, working 10+ hours a week.
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ELECTION2013 GUIDE
PR E S I D E NT
Jackson Freeman
Rory McCourt
What’s that? How quickly can I skull a handle of beer? Real quick. How charming am I? I could probably sleep with James Franco if I wanted. My point is, you can’t put a price on experience. For experience where it counts, Vote FREEMAN for VUWSA President 2013.
The VUWSA President is one of the most crucial figures at Victoria. This person leads an association which has the potential to change the lives of all students for the better.
Now that I have that shit out of the way, a bit about myself. 2 weeks ago I turned 20 Y/O, and this year sees the conclusion of my 3rd year of study. Summer school will see the end of my BA majoring in media studies and I am currently at the beginning of a long and arduous journey to the bottom of my second degree; something to re-evaluate if voted in to represent the students of this great university. I hail from the northern depths of Whangarei, and have a good grasp on what it is to live around the middle of the financial spectrum. I have 1 mum, 1 dad, 3 brothers and 2 sisters. We are a family that does not live below or above the line. We just kinda sit on the line and are thankful for what we do have, rather than complain about what we don’t. That’s how I was brought up. I am of Maori descent and proud of it, but I will, under no circumstances start claiming arbitrary things around University if elected (Topical joke; shit as it may be). My primary goal if elected is to restore EVERYONE’S faith in VUWSA. The fact that there is less than 200 people turning up to general meetings means to me, that VUWSA is failing those who it needs to fundamentally cater to; the students. We need to establish a student association that, like the Otago University Student Association, its students can be proud of and strive to actively participate in. How can we do this? The following are a list of primary targets I wish to foster if elected:
It has the potential to help build a better university, with better student support and better quality courses, it has the potential to fight for fairness in your marks, and fairness in the law. It also has the potential to help make your student experience one you remember for the great gigs and good times, not for the mould in your overpriced flat or the budget noodles in your cupboard. It is because of the potential of VUWSA that I am running for President. It’s because I know I can lead this association to give you a better deal. My record at VUWSA is one I’m really proud of. I’ve worked hard as Welfare Officer and Welfare Vice-President to fight on your behalf. I’ve stood up for fair bus fares, marriage equality and student allowances for all. I’ve responded to tough challenges, like making the hard budget calls to ensure this multi-million dollar organisation is financially sustainable. I’ve got the right skills, knowledge and experience to hit the ground running on January 1st. Background knowledge and experience is crucial. Take fair fares for example: the Regional Council has said they might be willing to give students half price tickets, if we fight for it. I’ve been leading the consultation that secured over 800 submissions from students, building our case for fair fares. But the decision will be made next year, and it will depend on whether we have stood up and publically pushed for fair fares. Under my leadership, you can be sure VUWSA will fight tooth-and-nail for fair fares, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars a year.
Helping and encouraging clubs and other services provided by VUWSA to seek and expand private sponsorship in an attempt to establish stronger and more frequent social events
Beyond fair fares, I’ll fight for:
At Victoria, we have very limited finances set aside for our O-Weeks in comparison to OU etc
A vibrant, responsive VUWSA that consults widely and communicates better
I would love to focus on expanding sponsorships for these weeks and provide an entire week of events that students can get behind and not remember
A carbon neutral campus
The food bank is an invaluable resource for students and when times are tough, can literally be a lifesaver:
Equality for all students, like backing marriage equality the whole way
A reduced Student Services Levy, ending wasteful spending and saving you money. I know the SSL like the back of my hand
Warm, dry flats, through flat auditing and minimum standards set by Council Historically, VUWSA hasn’t always done as well as it should. I’m the first to admit that. But anyone who cares can tell you that under the professional, dedicated leadership of Bridie Hood we’ve improved.
I would love to expand this service Wellington wide and encourage community involvement in helping those students who need it most I really want to establish the Hunter Lounge as more than just a place to have a coffee on a Tuesday
My message is simple: with competent, experienced leadership we can do even better.
Students need a cheap bar where they can socialise on a sophisticated and affordable level; I think HL can fill that void For a name democracy itself would trust, Vote FREEMAN for President 2013.
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ELECTION2013 GUIDE ACADEMIC VICE PRESIDENT
WELFARE VICE PRESIDENT
Toby Cooper
Paul Clutterbuck
Cooper is also running for Education officer.
Clutterbuck is also running for Wellbeing and Sustainability Officer.
Sonya Clark Hello, I’m Sonya! I grew up in Hawke’s Bay and study English Lit and Sociology. I’m passionate about education and would love your vote for Vice President (Academic) for 2013. As your university fees increase next year, you want to know that you’re getting an education that counts. As more cuts are made to education, the collective voice of the academic rep groups, Faculty Delegates and Class Reps is fundamental in retaining a strong student voice in decision making. I’ll continue the excellent work of past Academic Vice-Presidents, supporting and strengthening the systems of student representation at Vic. But more needs to be done. Student feedback on the recent Governance Review showed that students want a focus on ENGAGEMENT. VUWSA does good work, but students need to know about it. Its not always easy to figure out the university system: finding out how to get exam papers back and where course outlines are online, made a huge difference to my studies. Many students aren’t sure how to get an extension or challenge their grades. These can sound simple, but many students are intimidated by processes and unaware of their rights. I’ve worked hard to support students in their academics, through being a PASS Leader, Class Rep, and Te Putahi Atawhai Academic Mentor. As Academic Vice-President, I will build on that knowledge to make the university a more accessible place for students. Vote Sonya for: Clear Communication – I’ll produce easy-to-read and widely available documents on how to deal with a wide range of academic issues, making it my priority to communicate complicated policies into clear student guides. I’ll be visible on ALL campuses, and get out there to let students know how to make the most of their studies. Improving Teaching – We’ve all had bad lecturers, and the university’s emphasis on research output means students often lose out. I’m passionate about excellent teaching, and will fight for a greater focus in teacher quality. Stronger Representation – A quality education requires a strong student voice. I’ll work closely with the academic rep groups and strengthen links between Faculty Delegates and Class Reps to ensure students are heard at all levels. I’m committed to a Fair and Accessible Education: Vote Sonya Clark for Academic Vice President! www.facebook.com/SonyaClarkAVP
Salutations. My name is Toby Cooper, and I’m running for Academic Vice-President and Education Officer in the upcoming VUWSA elections. Nice to meet ya. I’m a third-year law and psych student. I love pink marshmallows - truth is, the white ones just aren’t enchanting to me. I always sit in the front row of law lectures so I can slide on the swivelly chairs (only the front row has a wooden floor). I’ve mastered the most efficient techniques for popping bubble wrap. My tip: try giving the bubble wrap a Chinese burn. This week, you’re going to have the opportunity to vote in the VUWSA elections. Instead of going on Cracked during your next bio lecture, why not take a minute to vote? This begs a question: why do some folks turn up to class, only to spend the time web-surfing? If lecturers aren’t as engaging as they could be, let’s do something about it. Lecturers should be encouraged to share effective teaching strategies, incorporate new technologies, and promote active learning, so that everyone gets a top-notch education. Think about that one paper you took that you absolutely loved. The one paper you would do over and over again, because the lectures were so fascinating, the readings were so mind-blowingly rad, or maybe because your tutor was a mega-spunk. Wouldn’t it be great if all your papers could be that amazing? Working for VUWSA, I want to find out why you fell in love with accounting, or history, or media studies. By meeting and chatting with as many of you as I can, I’d like to help create a uni where students are able to play a more active role in the shaping and development of their education. My vision is to strengthen the networks between students and the university, to make your uni experience more worthwhile. A crucial link in this chain are your class reps. The most effective class representatives connect and maintain dialogues with staff and their peers. Having been a class rep for three years, I’ve had plenty of experience communicating with staff and advocating for students. If I am elected, class reps will be further encouraged to take up a more active role, including administering qualitative course evaluation and promoting study group formation. This week, please vote for Super Duper Toby Cooper. A vote for me is a vote for education through communication.
If you’re like me, you’ll have found Wellington a very expensive place to live. Whether it’s astronomical rents, overpriced public transport fares, convenience store prices on food, or just the cost of study itself, it all adds up. Some weeks, you pay the bills, and sometimes you might be lucky to eat. Then, when emergencies arise – maybe you have to travel home for the weekend, or you have a medical necessity – what you thought passed for a budget falls apart at the seams. It’s tough out there, especially if all you’ve got to live on is that itsy-bitsy student loan payment for your living costs. My goals as Welfare VP: Try to encourage private landlords in Wellington to do something about the cost and condition of student housing here Work with VUWSA’s Wellbeing & Sustainability Officer to start an annual “Green My Flat” competition, to encourage flatties to make their flats cleaner, greener, and more sustainable users of energy and resources Keep the pressure on Greater Wellington Regional Council for a tertiary students’ concessionary pass on Metlink public transport services Encourage faculty to make greater use of e-textbooks, to reduce the costs of textbooks for students, reduce storage requirements and carrying weight, and reduce the impact of course materials on forestry and the environment Encourage food outlets on and around campus to find ways to provide great quality food at the sharpest possible prices Work with Student Health to provide free or lowcost dental care for students, in addition to the other great services offered Work with Student Finance to ensure the most equitable outcomes possible for students in greatest need Establish an on-campus budget advisory service to help students manage limited resources, and get the most out of life in even the most difficult circumstances Consult with VUWSA’s Academic VP, students and faculty to determine whether time pressure caused by continuous assessments is an issue for students, and whether a review of assessment processes may reduce failures and dropout rates I’ve been engaged with poverty issues for more than half my 40 years. I’m also passionate about equality and justice, and about reducing discrimination against minorities and disadvantaged people groups, as well as environmental sustainability. I look forward to leading the welfare section of the VUWSA exec in 2013, and I believe I have skills and experience that uniquely qualify me for this role. http://www.facebook.com/pjcvuwsa2013
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ELECTION2013 GUIDE
THE
polling booths ARE CONFIRMED AS:
Declan Doherty-Ramsay
Simon Tapp
Hello! My name is Declan and I am running for the position of Vice President (Welfare). I’m currently studying towards a BMus.
Kia ora, I’m SIMON TAPP. Born in Wellington and raised in Gisborne, Indonesia and Waitakere, I’m a Political Science student, firm believer in $9 wine, and was once called a “rocket scientist” by Paul Henry (I don’t think he was being nice). I’ve campaigned for social and environmental justice my entire adult life, and now I want to be your VICEPRESIDENT WELFARE.
I’m running to be VP (Welfare) for 2013 because I’m dedicated to serving students in practical ways. When your finances are a bit tight, the fridge is nearly empty, or things are just getting a little hard – I want to ensure VUWSA is there to help whatever way we can. Real simple stuff like FREE BREAD, the HARDSHIP GRANT, and the FOOD BANK are all great services that can make a difference between going bust or eating. FREE FLU SHOTS and STRESS-FREE STUDY WEEK mean you don’t have to worry about getting sick or missing breakfast when your study hits crunch time. I know how valuable these services are, because I’ve used all of them throughout my time at University. These services must be protected and when possible, expanded on. As VP Welfare, I will do everything I can to make things better for you, the students. I’m going to take steps like: VOLUNTEERING – The exec needs to get out of the office! I’ll be on the front lines helping out at VUWSA events. DISABILITY ACCESS – We currently have a department (Music) that services 2 universities, but has no proper Disability Access. To get to the top floor students need to cross 2 roads and climb a steep hill. I will work with Disability Services and Can Do to create a solution. FAIR FARES – Wellington is the only Uni city in NZ that doesn’t have a tertiary student fare for public transport. I will work hard to change this. APPROACHABLE - I’m committed to hang out in the TARDIS room at least once a week during term time, Doctor Who costume included. There are going to be a lot of challenges for students and VUWSA next year, but I think we can overcome them by working together and with a strong Exec. I look forward to being your Vice President (Welfare) for 2013.
In 2013, VUWSA will enter the next stage of its history. The new governance structure is the perfect chance to make this YOUR association again. To do that, VUWSA leadership needs to have experience, to take this role seriously, and do all they can to make VUWSA relevant to you again. I know the students’ fight, and as your Vice-President Welfare, I will do everything I can to achieve the best outcomes for all of us. Greater Wellington Regional Council’s public transport review would radically alter the city’s public transport: ignoring our needs, despite students’ massive bus patronage. For example, their plan ditches the Campus Connection (the #18); a main arterial linking Karori and Miramar with the Te Aro, Karori, and Kelburn campuses. I, along with thousands of others, rely daily on this service. My campaigning experience leaves me perfectly positioned to fight for BETTER BUSES, to ensure we aren’t left stranded. No student should suffer because they can’t afford to keep themselves fed, yet most of us have been through times when that’s the case. Meanwhile anyone who’s worked in hospo knows how much our bakeries, cafes and restaurants waste every day. If elected, I will work to give you a SUPERSIZED FOODBANK, by engaging with local businesses to help them pass on what they don’t need, to those who need it most. We should never have to miss a meal, and with me as your Vice-Prez Welfare, we won’t. Your flat is probably a bit shit – I know mine is. Wellington is notorious for unhealthy homes, which means unhealthy students and unhealthy lives. My proven dedication to campaigns for better housing mean that I am perfectly positioned to focus VUWSA’s good work here, introducing smart new initiatives that will achieve real change, to give you HEALTHIER HOMES. Victoria’s students are facing real issues that get in the way of their study and their life. I understand these issues, and will work harder than anyone to fix them. Vote SIMON TAPP to be your VICE-PRESIDENT WELFARE.
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Kelburn Campus Throughout polling period, at VUWSA Reception, Level 2 Student Union Building. Te Aro Campus Thursday, 4 October, 10.30am to 12.30 pm. Pipitea Friday, 5 October, 10.30 am to 12.30 pm.
ELECTION2013 GUIDE ENGAGEMENT VICE PRESIDENT
Mica Moore Kia ora to you! My name is Mica Moore and I’m running for Vice-President (Engagement). I study International Relations and Japanese, and I’m a big fan of the brilliant and chaotic world that is our university. You’re busy working and partying and getting by, and while you’re here, you should know exactly what VUWSA has to offer, and how you can be a part of it. VUWSA is about far more than free goodies! I’m running for Vice-President Engagement because I care about the strength, support and diversity of the student community at Vic, and I want to work hard to improve it. I have experience in a broad range of leadership positions working with all sorts of people: from mentoring at Te Putahi Atawhai and volunteering for the Wellington Somali Refugee Council, to campaigning and organising events for Global Poverty Project and the Victoria International Development Society. I’m a confident and efficient leader, and place utmost importance on working as a team and listening to others. I’d love for you to entrust me with this new role at VUWSA. I feel I have a clear grasp on Engagement VP, and I have three main priorities for 2013: YOU ARE VUWSA. I want to increase our visibility and face-to-face interaction to help you achieve what you want. This will involve the How2 of VUWSA campaign, open chat sessions for you to come with your project, and crosscampus liaisons so we can stay informed and engaged with the goings-on of all our students. GET IN. I want to help you get increasingly involved (to whatever degree) in clubs, representative groups and events, and give you the support you need to run them. Clear, accessible initiatives such as a comprehensive online calendar will make it all easier to find out about, organise, and more inclusive. SPEAK AND DO. We’re intelligent beings. We can create a conscious and active student community who constantly reviews the running of VUWSA and the university, through initiatives such as the Better Forums. I also want to set up volunteer networks so that the student community can help each other out for events, across campuses, and reach out to the community. The VUWSA of the future needs someone with originality, dedication and the right skills. That’s me and I want you to have the best time here! Your participation can make VUWSA in 2013 the most proactive, energetic and damn awesome Association there is. Don’t settle for less. Vote MOORE.
TREASURER-SECRETARY As there is only one candidate for this position, there will be an option to make a vote of no confidence.
Genevieve Fowler Keep Calm and Vote Fowler for Engagement Vice President “Talofa lava! I’m Genevieve Fowler and I’d love to be your Engagement Vice President 2013. So, why should you Keep Calm and Vote Fowler? EXPERIENCE: This brand new Vice Presidency needs someone with the institutional knowledge and expertise to set VUWSA up for the future. Being heavily involved in student politics this year perfectly places me for this challenging new position. I’ve had the opportunity to hone skills in leadership, event management and community building, and successfully guided UniQ to nearly triple its constituency, running some of the most well attended events the rep group has seen in many years. If elected, I am confident the same kind of engagement could happen for Vic students at large. THE SERVICES YOU WANT: What it is that you really want from their campus? I aim to help you speak up through polls, weekly chat sessions, an online suggestions tool; all asking how is it that VUWSA can best help you. After all, Vic is brimming incredible minds and I fully intend to let them have their say. Some ideas for services so far include: A wholesale tuck shop - run by and for students, selling super cheap, delicious and healthy food. This even has the potential to be profitable. Free Food Fridays - This would expand on VUWSA’s already wildly popular free bread programme with the inclusion of other products. One does wonder what other things of value are that businesses throw out every day. Awareness - Establishing more effective and pervasive advertising strategies to really let students know what’s available for them and what’s going on on campus. A VIBRANT CAMPUS CULTURE: Being a student is more than just academia - it’s about culture and social life too. VUW proudly encourages us to ‘get amongst the best’, and if elected, I’d want to help you do just that. In particular, I’d love to have the opportunity help foster a club culture informed, supported and active. One solution to this may be to use the same equity committee structure I came up with a few months ago, with the help of the VUWSA executive, to create a club culture that’s integrated, has access to informative resources and can flourish and grow together. So, Keep Calm and Vote Fowler and I sincerely hope I can help you get the best out of your campus in 2013.
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Jordan McCluskey Firstly let me pay tribute to the incumbent treasurer, William Guzzo. William has done a very good job in tough circumstances. Here are my policies which I hope to use to build on his good work. Alumni Fundraising The university fundraises from Alumni extensively. There is no reason why VUWSA should not set up its own network. It may in fact do better, as Alumni may see their hard earned money as going to a better place than some of the stuff the university spends its money on. Voluntary Graduate Contributions (VGC) There are around 18,000 students at VUW. If 1000 students upon graduation, 12.5% of the student population, were willing to donate $10 a week for one year after graduating, that would be over $ 520,00 solving VUWSA’s cash shortfall. If only 500 students were willing to sign up, it will still be over $260,000. VUWSA Café The Canterbury University Students Association runs a pub on campus. We already have a pub (or bar, if you want to be pedantic). VUWSA should run own a for profit café in the new quad serving among other things vegetarian, vegan and allergen sensitive food. Profitable events and more of them! VUWSA currently runs one really good event in O-Week. Imagine three good events, one at the start, middle and end of the year. VUWSA Plus (Patent Pending) Enhanced Membership Enhanced membership signified by getting your ID stickered for a nominal fee, ($30-40) entitling you to certain discounts in bars and eateries around Wellington. Treasurer’s University Consumer Report Tracking the prices quarterly across the universities eateries to ensure any price rises are in line with inflation. And a review of all VUWSA spending. Follow me on twitter @JordanMcCluskey Like this page www.facebook.com/ mccluskeyfortreasurer2013 You can join VUWSA if you are not a member here http://www.vuwsa.org.nz/about/membership/
ELECTION2013 GUIDE EDUCATION OFFICER
WELLBEING & SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER
Harry Chapman Chapman is also running for Campaigns Officer. Hi everyone! Harry Chapman here! I’m in my last semester of my BA in politics and history, and I’m doing honours next year. I’m interested in social justice and environmental issues, and I’m excited about the way the Wellbeing and Sustainability Officer combines these different areas. I’m campaigning on three issues:
Gemma Swan Hi everyone, I’m Gemma Swan, a born and bred Wellingtonian running for Education Officer! I am in my 2nd year at Victoria studying Education and love all aspects of my degree- Maori and Pasifika Education, Education Policy and Educational Psychology. I have been involved with VUWSA right from the get go, being a Class Rep in both my first and second year, and being Faculty Delegate for Education this year also. As your Faculty Delegate for Education in 2012 I have been working hard behind the scenes to advocate for Education students and work closely with the staff and students of the Faculty of Education, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and VUWSA. My “Education and Youth Issues” workshop brought ideas together in which I collaborated closely with staff and students, giving you the opportunity to develop your understanding of your degree content, and take your passion for Education and develop networks and goals for occupations. I want to take these ideas and opportunities further, reaching across the divide of all students at Victoria, and support you in your Education! A regular volunteer as a Class Rep, I value the importance of student representation and leadership and would love to work with VUWSA to continue to raise the high standards of Class Reps that you all work so hard to be, and show how Class Reps can make a difference. Also, with a strong interest in Education Policy and Government matters, know that I will be a dedicated and caring Officer, out to make a difference. VUWSA works so hard to advocate for each and every one of you, so make sure you take the time to vote and play your part in the bigger picture of your Education. Vote Gemma Swan as your Education Officer if you care about your Education!
Rick Zwaan Victoria University is full of smart, caring, goodlooking students just like you. Wouldn’t it be great if we had a healthy and sustainable campus to bask in our collective awesomeness? I’m running for Wellbeing and Sustainability Officer to help create a campus that values the calibre of its students. I’ve spent the last few years engaging and representing young kiwis on the world stage at such things as; the UNICEF Children’s Climate Forum in Copenhagen 2009 and as part of the New Zealand Youth Delegation to the climate negotiations (COP16) in Cancun, Mexico. Last year I was lucky enough to get selected for an expedition to the magnetic North Pole on the Pangaea Young Explorers Program. Over three weeks cross-country skiing over the melting ice, we saw the catastrophic effects of climate change but also the power of human will to overcome great challenges. When I’m not burning fossil fuels flying around the world I’m busy creating positive change at home. I work with ReGeneration, 350.org.nz and Generation Zero, and help out with crazy projects like Jup Brown running New Zealand for the Stroke Foundation. I was also honoured to be a semifinalist for Young New Zealander of the Year Award. Now I’m studying BSc and BA majoring in Environmental Science, Geophysics and Politics alongside being a core organiser of Power Shift NZ-Pacific. If appointed my top three priorities would be Fairer Fares—ensuring that everyone can get to uni without breaking the bank. Healthy Homes—lobbying for compulsory insulation for our bloody cold flats Rad Recycling—making sure the preparation for this doesn’t go to waste. Check out facebook. com/voteforrick I would bring a good heart, sweet ideas and epic experience to this role—vote for Rick Zwaan. P.S. Please do so my mum thinks I’m cool. Thanks.
Toby Cooper
Paul Clutterbuck
See manifesto above.
See manifesto above.
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1. Minimum standards for rental accommodation. For instance, landlords have been offered a huge subsidy for insulation for a while now, and yet most continue to do nothing – it’s time they were forced into action. I would also like to bring up Dunedin’s STARS programme of rating flats. If sub-standard flats continue to exist, it’s important that students have proper information when they’re making choices about where to live. Such a system could equal the playing field for renters and landlords in a positive way. 2. Fighting against the government’s attacks on student entitlements, and campaigning for the reinstatement of the student allowance for postgraduate study. The government more generally needs to shift away from the mindset that tertiary education is a drain on the government’s books and towards a view that education is an important investment in the future. At a time when the job market is sluggish and people are looking to upskill, it simply doesn’t make sense to starve the tertiary education sector of funding. 3. Supporting the ongoing campaign for student fares on public transport. Many students are in a precarious financial position, and bus fares are outrageously expensive! If those in power can afford to foot the bill for free off-peak travel for elderly people, I’m confident they can afford to subsidise student fares as well. We need to get our voice out there and remind politicians that students are a constituency that they don’t want to get on the wrong side of. I’m [also] running for Campaigns Officer because I think VUWSA has the capacity to be (and is!) a positive force for good, and campaigns are the one of the most important parts of this advocacy role. In these hard times, there’s a lot of competition for government funding, and somebody needs to be speaking up for students. Inside and outside the university environment, important issues around social justice, sustainability, and tertiary education can all benefit from a powerful student voice. I have some ideas about campaigns I would like to run (e.g. insulation for flats, fighting against government’s attacks on students, student fares for public transport), but I’ll also work hard to support the other executive members in running campaigns for their various roles and generating media coverage of VUWSA’s position. I also want to stress that I won’t just be coming into this role with preconceived ideas: I think an important part of the role will be engaging with the student community. I don’t want to come to this role just focussing on the issues I think are important – I’ll aim to canvass people’s views at all the campuses of Victoria, to see which issues they care about and want VUWSA to be fighting for.
ELECTION2013 GUIDE EQUITY OFFICER
CLUBS & ACTIVITIES OFFICER
CAMPAIGNS OFFICER
As there is only one candidate for this position, there will be an option to make a vote of no confidence.
Matthew Ellison Right now I’m the president of UniQ, and doing a science degree majoring in cell and molecular bioscience and minoring in maths. I’m a dedicated worker with wide-ranging interests, and would be a valuable member of the VUWSA team. Through UniQ, I have direct experience of minority representation and I am passionate about equality for all. The skills I have developed through UniQ are applicable to enabling better representation for other minorities My experience as President of UniQ would stand me in good stead as Equity Officer, and will allow me excellent lines of communication. Having had first hand experience running one of the most successful rep groups at Victoria, especially with UniQ’s recent and excellently received Pride Week, I have a great platform to coordinate other rep groups. The Equity Officer position is about being fair and impartial, and I invest a lot of energy into being as understanding and well-rounded as I can. Feminism is a very important cause to me, and helping the Women’s Group achieve its goals autonomously is a priority of mine. For representative groups, getting up and running at the start of the year can be challenging, especially if there are few members from the year before. What has to happen at an IGM? How do elections for rep groups work? How do you even run a meeting? I’m currently putting together a detailed plan for UniQ for the start of next year to allow the group to transition smoothly between executives and begin functioning right from the start. I will generalise this into a resource pack for rep group organisers to enable them to get off the ground fast so they can spend less time learning by trial and error, and more time actually representing.
Paul Clutterbuck See manifesto above.
Ramon Quitales Hi there! So … a bit about myself. After spending about a year and a half at Vic, I felt that it was time for me to start making a “difference”. To get involved as a “leader” and “change” VUWSA and the university for the better! And that’s why I’m running for… *wait for it*… Clubs and Activities Officer! (Uncontested too!) Jokes aside… I’m studying law and commerce, which means 5 or 6 long, tortuous years of study. Years only made bearable by the good people I have found at Vic – that is, you guys… And no, I’m totally NOT buttering up Salient readers so that I get votes… The things I enjoy are, playing soccer (hey – playing FIFA 13 SO does count), having my friends tell me that I’m at least “semi-cool” and of course… doodling rocket ships on the course outlines I receive every trimester. Let’s be honest - the Clubs and Activities portfolios on the VUWSA Executive are rather limited. Which means that I am not really able to make big sweeping promises about how I will send students to the moon, or provide free unicorn bracelets for those who come in early on Friday mornings. But what I can promise is this - I will try my darndest to ensure that clubs at Vic are as supported as possible so that they may make our university a vibrant and lively environment in which to study in… or to just be a part of, for those of you who don’t actually do any study… Working with the other members of the VUWSA Executive, I will endeavour to deliver quality events and activities for ‘le students’ and make sure that you guys are happy and satisfied on that front as well. I’m running uncontested here which basically means that it is pretty obvious as to what you should do… just tick the box next to my name and not the one that says, “no confidence” – because no one likes “Mr. No Confidence”.
Isabella Whitfield Hi friend (Presumptuous? I just want you to like me.), The role of campaigns officer is super important. Without it students don’t know about the fantastic services available to them. For VUWSA to run smoothly the Campaigns Officer needs to be enthusiastic. I am passionate about representing every facet of the student community. I genuinely care about students and want them to be happy, healthy and supported. Here are a few ways I will ensure this will happen: Expanding the awareness of existing crucial services, including the food bank, legal aid, and budgeting services. Providing information in an easy and accessible format relating to flatting matters. For example, advice on how to keep your flat a warm, healthy environment, along with your legal rights. Guaranteeing VUWSA is run for you, by you. I want you to get the most out of your student experience. Because we all hold different views, I will facilitate discussion to promote communication between students and VUWSA. Cooperation, communication and coordination. Catchy, right? These are what I believe to be the most important aspects of the Campaign Officer role and these are what I can provide. As your representative, I will ensure that you are heard through effective co-ordination and co-operation with exec members, clubs, and outside organisations. This will ensure successful campaigns. My ultimate goal is to establish a tight-knit student community, where students facing hardship are aware of the support that is available to them. You can help me achieve this goal by voting Isabella Whitfield for Campaign Officer, and bring cooperation, communication and coordination to VUWSA campaigns. ‘Isabella: Better Than Nutella.’
Harry Chapman See manifesto above.
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