Student elections delayed for the second year

With the mission to fix the broken representation model still underway, Te Tira Ahu Pae’s elections have been postponed following a delayed vote last year.  

While most universities have begun their student elections, ours needs time to implement changes. 

Last year’s elections were postponed in October after the representation model was deemed unfit for purpose, with concerns that new reps could not be elected under a broken system. 

Our flawed system has seen major upheaval for the association for the past two years, marked by resignations, suspensions, removals, and complaints.  

Despite the flaws, the association proceeded with elections under the old system in March of this year — with the promise to build a new system for the next time around. 

A Te Tira Ahu Pae spokesperson said the new model is expected to be finalised by the end of this semester. The model options are expected to be presented to students for voting at the October 15th Special General Meeting, with all students encouraged to attend. 

“This is a chance to design a more sustainable and effective system, to better reflect student voice,” the spokesperson said. 

“Election and Appointments will be thoroughly advertised before they run in Semester One of 2026.” 

A working group of students, university representatives, and external facilitator Third Bearing, have been creating the new model.  

In a statement to Massive, the working group said their final report with findings would be to submit to the Te Tira Ahu Pae board at the end of last week. The group has consulted with students, reviewed local and international best-practice models, set design principles, and drawn up a shortlist of options.  

“Our final report includes the student feedback received via channels of engagement, that were dedicated to consultation on this project,” the group’s statement said. 

According to the schedule on Massey’s website, the association’s constitution updates, policies, procedures and structural updates will be completed in November and December.  

Both the association and university stress that student voice matters on this, and encourage student vote at the Special General Meeting next month.