Removed then appointed as president: Chiavanni Le’Mon rejoins Massey’s student association

In April, three reps requested $250,000, or $75,000 each, in compensation for being removed from the board. Now, one of them has returned to Te Tira Ahu Pae as the general president.  

Le’Mon said, “Instead of walking away bitter, I chose to come back clearer. I didn’t reapply to prove anything — I came back because I believe in the kaupapa and in the role that Te Tira Ahu Pae can play when it works well.” 

In March, Le’Mon, and former reps Shayne Sullivan and Anushika Prasad were removed from the board after differing opinions created divisions amongst board members. The decision drew criticism for cultural awareness and governance procedures. 

The trio subsequently requested compensation from the association for reputation damage, cultural damage, and failure to uphold its constitution. The outcome of the personal grievance was being safeguarded.  

Le’Mon acknowledged there may be tension or mixed feeling about her return, however, she is not here to revisit the past. “I’m here to do the mahi, to lead with integrity, and to hold space for others in a way that’s constructive and future-focused.” 

"I don’t believe that difficult experiences should be the end of someone’s contribution.”  

While she’s currently a student pursuing her Master’s in Resource Management and Environmental Planning, Le’Mon’s resume has focused on uplifting Māori and Pasifika communities.  

She led the development of cultural and educational programmes for Pacific youth and Māori whānau in the Cook Islands. She also established the first total immersion Māori early childhood centre in Rarotonga, supporting reo revitalisation and intergenerational learning. 

She felt her last experience as a rep had sharpened her understand of student advocacy and its systems. “I saw this as an opportunity to serve again, to continue pushing for representation that’s grounded in values, and to contribute to something bigger than myself.” 

As the general and distance president, she said, “I want to uplift distance student voice in meaningful ways, support student reps to feel safe and valued in their roles and contribute to making our governance processes more transparent and accountable.”   

“I’ve learned the value of consistency, and that’s what I’ll bring.”