One exec to rule them all: student execs look to merge
Massey’s Manawatū, Wellington, Albany, and Distance Students’ Associations are considering merging into a single association, a press release on Monday 17 May stated. The merge would seek to unify the “four siloed voices” of the current associations and provide a “more equitable student experience across all campuses”.
The merge is currently in the initial stages of discussion, but investigations into what a merge would look like are underway. All four associations have been investigating the options and benefits of a merge, alongside partner associations such as Kōkiri Ngātahi and Manawatahi. Some of the benefits outlined in the press release include the opportunity to build an association that honours Te Tiriti, streamline services to increase equity across campuses, cater to the increase of students who study both internally and by distance, and have a stronger student voice.
Increasing the equity of funding and services across all campuses is a key motivator in this potential merge. The idea is that despite the University operating as one system across four cohorts, the associations are operating as separate entities. In theory, if the merge were to go ahead, the student voice would be amplified and services across all four cohorts would be more equitable. MAWSA President Tessa Guest, on behalf of the various exec presidents, explains, “We advocate for equity more than equality – currently, the four associations receive hugely different funding pools, which don’t reflect student populations of cohorts. We think funding should reflect student populations more accurately.”
The merge would also provide the opportunity to have a restructure of how Massey University Students’ Associations Federation (MUSAF) is governed. Tessa confirmed that “the structure will certainly look different to the way MUSAF looks now, as Māori and Pasifika representation will be included within the governance restructure”. Both the press release and the Presidents have affirmed the importance of honouring Te Tiriti in a restructure, seeing a merge as “an opportunity to build an association that honours Te Tiriti with genuine co-governance”.
Some students on Facebook expressed their disapproval of the announcement, saying “I’m concerned about this decision, where’s the students being involved in this discussion? I feel like an SGM is necessary to discuss this so students can feel involved in this decision.” Another student questioned MUSA specifically. “So when you say you’re investigating the idea of merging, where does already letting a bunch of MUSA staff go fit into that current/future ‘investigation’?”
A merge will change the way the students’ associations across Massey operate, looking to bring about a positive, meaningful, and equitable experience for all Massey students – wherever they’re based. However, with discussions and investigations still in the very beginning stages, a lot of logistical questions still remain unanswered. Each association will be providing students with further information and context over the coming weeks, so keep an eye out for that. Student consultation looks to be of the upmost importance as this “history-making decision” develops. If you want to have your voice heard and be a part of the decision, email your cohort President or merge@mawsa.org.nz.