MUSAF proposes new interim governance structure
After general associations have pushed off ideas of an organisational merge until next year, Massey University Student Association Federation (MUSAF) is seeking consultation on a new proposed interim governance structure. Following consultation, the proposal will be voted on through various executive meetings before the SLA merge in September, in order to allow the associations to properly govern a single SLA and continue organisational merger discussions through to next year. The vote itself will not be decided by students, only executive members.
MUSAF acts as an umbrella which connects Massey’s student associations. The current MUSAF structure awards each association one vote each, after a recent move to extend voting powers to the three Māori associations. Overall, there are seven votes in total.
The new proposal sees a total of 14 votes. Five votes will be distributed to the local general student associations, consisting of a general chair, M@D, MUSA, MAWSA and ASA. Seven votes will be distributed to the local Māori student associations, consisting of a Māori chair, Manawatahi, Te Waka o Ngā Akonga, Kōkiri Ngātahi, a Distance Māori rep and two further Māori reps. Two votes will also be distributed to local Pasifika student associations, consisting of a Pasifika chair and a Pasifika rep. A MUSAF representative says this new structure is “to ensure that in keeping with our obligations to Te Tiriti, tangata whenua (Māori) co-govern this association alongside tangata Tiriti (non-Māori)”.
Students Massive talked to are in favour of the new proposal, after we patiently explained to them what the fuck MUSAF even is. One student said, “Yeah, sounds pretty mean. It’s good to see Māori and Pasifika voices getting a better seat at the table, what’s not to like?” Another was shocked that, under the status quo, Pasifika associations aren’t currently given votes under MUSAF, saying “I think the new plan sounds great, like something that should have happened a long time ago.”
The new structure, if approved, will last for one year. MUSAF reps say, “It is designed specifically to continue the discussions, co-design and consultation of a potentially merged association. It allows time for different options to be thoroughly explored, and there will be a shift to a long-term structure in the year after, whether it’s a merged association or not.” A representative for MUSAF says this proposal was conceptualised over previous weeks, after insider concerns about the “rushed” organisational merge, and collectively agreed on during the recent hui at Palmerston North.
As there is no current Distance Māori Student Association, the survey outlines that “the other Māori associations will work alongside M@D to establish this voice in a suitable manner” with voices to be incorporated into the work completed over the next year. The two Māori representatives not tied to a specific cohort will be elected in a way decided by the Māori associations, with the Pasifika representative and chair also to be elected in a way decided by the Pasifika associations.
Overall, MUSAF reps say, “This structure will allow your student representatives to thoroughly explore how student voice is represented at Massey, and how our associations can best offer services. Students can be assured that the quality of services provided will remain consistent and strong next year, and elected representatives will be thoroughly equipped.”
If you want to engage in the kōrero and have your say, digital consultation can be found via association’s social media channels. MUSAF did not respond to questions as to whether consultation would take any form other than digital.