Māori associations gain full voting rights in Massey’s Student Association Federation

Massey University’s Student Association Federation’s (MUSAF) new constitution will give each Māori association full voting rights with the Federation, equal to each general association. The constitution was first drafted in 2018 but was not implemented by MUSAF until recently this year. 

In a collective statement to Massive, Manawatahi (Manawatū campus), Te Waka o ngā Ākonga Māori (Ōkahukura campus) and Kōkiri Ngātahi (Pukeahu campus) say the situation in 2018 led to a press statement released by MUSAF on behalf of all student associations of Te Kunenga ki Purehuroa without consultation of any of their three associations, which resulted in a breakdown of the relationship between the general and Māori associations. 

“However, this year a genuine effort has been made to strengthen the relationship between associations, longevity and stability of this relationship could be reflected and enhanced in the potential changes of MUSAF,” they said. 

With the potential of a governance merge on the horizon for the general associations, the Māori associations wish to remain autonomous themselves. 

“We believe it is essential to remain autonomous from our general counterparts to preserve both our voice and history of our associations and what was created and maintained by tauira before us, despite the inequalities.” 

They say a restructured partnership model would still have potential for MUSAF to meet their Tiriti obligations while the Māori associations can maintain their autonomy. If MUSAF does not meet their Tiriti obligations after their restructure, withdrawal from MUSAF is possible for the Māori associations. “For Te Tiriti obligations to be met, it requires a co-governance structure which ensure Māori voices are properly represented where inclusion begins at the start of the conversation instead of being consulted once a decision is made.” 

They say they are currently in the process of implementing their individual associations’ tikanga in MUSAF. “The kawa of MUSAF will require consultation with our tauira, but to ensure the tikanga and kawa are continuously upheld would require a true co-governance partnership.” 

One of the benefits which has been touted with a merged governance system through MUSAF has been more equitable funding for all the general associations. Manawatahi, Te Waka o ngā Ākonga Māori and Kōkiri Ngātahi say they have all faced their own challenges due to lack of funding. 

“The services we provide our tauira are essential to maintain the Māori sense of community throughout this westernised institution. Compared to the general associations, the funding our associations receive are inadequate for stability and growth to provide to our community of tauira.” 

With equitable funding, they say they could provide their associations with operational staff, provide Māori led and tailored services such as community advocacy, renumerate the executive teams properly and increase their associations presence and capabilities on the three campuses to address different concerns. 

With the largest population of Māori students at Massey in the distance cohort, the lack of a Māori student association for distance students is another concern the current Māori associations are hoping will soon be addressed with the progress which has been made in the conversations between them and the general associations. 

“Māori associations exist because of the inadequacy of general associations being able address Māori issues and properly reflect our voices at Massey. Given that the distance cohort have the largest Māori population, it is the Māori associations that foster and facilitate that Māori voice. Recognising these conversations between Massey @ Distance and our Māori associations have begun to address these matters.” 

According to MUSA President Fatima Imran, general consultation for the governance merge between the general student associations in MUSAF will begin this week.