Auckland and Wellington campuses go without an end of year ball

Students are left disappointed as the Albany ball will not happen this year, and the Wellington campus has gone without for two years.  

Auckland Science student Christy Ilagan is in her final year, "I feel like it doesn't make the place feel like we're having a final end of the year gathering where we can reconvene with others and relive our memories through the year together." 

She felt it didn’t make sense to cut out fun events for students, leaving envy for previous cohorts.  

She questioned what this said about the student association, who last month had reports of a tumultuous environment.  

“I feel disappointed, and it makes me question what exactly is going on in [Te Tira Ahu Pae].”   

Massey University said that it does not organise balls, and that they are organised through the student association or student clubs. 

The Albany ball was formally organised by the Massey Engineering Student Society, however the Engineering course was cut in Albany late last year.   

Despite this, the Palmerston North campus balls have been thriving, this year alone having three balls: The Young Farmers ball, the Chinese student and scholar Mid-Autumn Festival Gala Night ball, and Techen Social Night at the Casino ball.  

Wellington’s last ball was held in October 2022, with the ball the year before canceled due to COVID-19.  

Julia Mcgaghey, final year Nursing student in Auckland found not having a ball “quite upsetting”.  

“I’ve been here three years now and the first two years we’ve had them but now that I’m in my final year it would have been nice to end the year off with my nursing friends in a big celebration.”  

“I’m really disappointed considering that last year was so fun at the ball and again as it’s my last year it would have been nice to have something that finished it off with a big horary.”  

The association was approached for comment, however, did not provide one.