Massey University takes back money for students’ free period products

Massey University has halved the amount they originally committed to for free period products for students— but the student association will be spreading them out starting this week.  

Late last year, the university had committed to a budget of $12,000 for single use period products that were meant to go out in semester one this year. However, a spokesperson said this was “adjusted”.  

In an email in July, the university said the funding had changed to $6000, halving the original amount.  

Te Tira Ahu Pae Pasifika president Aniva Feau asked Massey, “What are you spending all that money on anyway if it was already budgeted for this?” 

The student association budgeted $14,000 for period products, and while it's happening later than it hoped, it's sticking to it.  

Currently the University of Canterbury, University of Auckland, and the Victoria University of Wellington Student’s Association (VUWSA) all offer free period products for students.  

Feau wanted pads and tampons to be placed in female, male and disabled toilets that are most popular on each campus, such as library toilets.  

She felt Massey had tried to take advantage of the fast turnaround of student reps, saying it often promises one thing then changes its tune later.  

Feau felt the project had been overshadowed by the association’s amalgamation, as well as communication and technical issues on her end.  

A Massey spokesperson argued that late last year, the university and Te Tira Ahu Pae both agreed to “adjust” funding to $6,000.  

However, a memo and email sent to Massive from late last year suggested Massey was committed to the $12,000 budget.  

The spokesperson said the lack of progress on the initiative had been due to Te Tira Ahu Pae representatives not attending several meetings where decisions were required. 

“Then, late last month, Te Tira Ahu Pae advised it would go its own way without discussion or communication after months of attempts to progress this partnered project.” 

The spokesperson said while the association will fund an initial four-week pilot of free single use period products, the university will be working in partnership to explore the option of reusable period products. 

The university and association are seeking feedback through their period poverty survey. Let them know which bathrooms you want period products in and more.