Consultation begins for Massey student association representation remodel

Following their promise to deliver a new student representative model by the end of the year, Te Tira Ahu Pae is holding consultation from today until August 22nd.  

The restructure follows last year’s dysfunctional governance model, which has carried over this year.  

Last year, the student association faced several staff resignations, complaints of a toxic culture, a manager suspended, and to end it all off a complete loss of funding.  

But after negotiations, the university decided to fund the association again, on the condition that a new representation model was built.  

Consultation will run both online and on campus, through student forums, emails, surveys, pop-ups, and targeted outreach via the Te Tira Ahu Pae website and social media. 

A working group of seven student reps and two university reps had started initial work on the restructure.  

A Massey spokesperson said, “The group has begun meeting regularly to identify key challenges, consult with tauira and stakeholders, and draft a proposed framework that ensures culturally appropriate representation.” 

Both the university and association said student services will not be disrupted while a new representation model is shaped. 

The spokesperson made clear that the association is independent from the university, “but Massey remains committed to effective student representation and ensuring that services for our students continue without disruption.” 

The restructure also aims to improve Māori representation, coming after tumultuous relationships between Māori and Pasifika reps, and general reps. 

Some Māori and Pasifika reps have been kicked off the board over the past year, as well as making complaints of a toxic culture.  

In a statement from the association, it said, “One aim is to ensure that Māori student representation is not just symbolic but embedded in decision-making processes across campuses.” 

“This is a chance for students to help shape a new model that better reflects their needs and voice - we encourage everyone to take part.”  

The final structure will be confirmed after student feedback and reviews are complete.