MUSA doesn’t really exist anymore, so why does the MUSA shop?

The MUSA shop on the Manawatū campus remains despite the association formally changing its name to Te Tira Ahu Pae more than two years ago.  

However, it appears this is a part of a larger issue that students aren’t aware of the overall name change.  

Keezia Broughton, a Foundation Studies first year, said, “A lot of students — first years especially — I encounter don’t know what Te Tira Ahu Pae is.” 

“Why go pay heaps of money to rebrand the association and wasting all of those funds meant for students, when students already know the association being talked about?” 

“The name doesn’t roll off the tongue the same like MUSA. It’s not memorable, but yes, I do understand the concept of representation for Māori students.” 

“The ‘MUSA shop’ name is already there, may as well keep it.”  

MUSA stands for Massey University Student Association. This along with the old Wellington association (MAWSA), Auckland association (ASA), and distance association (M@D) became Te Tira Ahu Pae at the end of 2022.  

Colin Huse a third-year Microbiology student said he had never been made aware of the new name, always knowing the association as MUSA.  

“MUSA’s kinda better just because it’s shorter.” 

Student president Hennessey Wilson said, “The MUSA Shop retained its name due to its established recognition and familiarity among students. The name 'MUSA Shop' has been a staple on campus, and changing it might lead to confusion.”  

He said the association had considered changing the MUSA Shop name, but decided to retain it for now due to its strong brand recognition for Palmy students.  

“While some confusion may exist, the association believes that the benefits of retaining the familiar 'MUSA Shop' name outweigh the drawbacks.” 

He said MUSA no longer operates as a student’s association and now sits under the governance of Te Tira Ahu Pae. Wilson clarified that MUSA still exists as a registered charity under the Incorporated Societies Act.  

It now functions as a vehicle for the MUSA Business Units, with benefits like the MUSA Shop, Radio Control, and reduced rent units for Manawatū Students. 

Wilson said the association was open to the possibility of changing the MUSA shop name if it was something students wanted.  

He understood that many still don’t know about the Te Tira Ahu Pae name change. “While the MUSA name holds recognition with students, it is known as the Manawatū campus specifically, whereas Te Tira Ahu Pae is a unified association for all Massey University campuses and tauira.” 

“The new name was gifted to the association by Māori tauira. We hope the name better reflects the diversity of associations that were amalgamated and speaks to the wide range of students we represent.” 

Ongoing efforts were being made to improve awareness of the new name, including social media campaigns, re-brand events, collaborations with student representatives, new signage and collateral.