NZUSA update
I continued my campaign of self hatred and masochim, by deciding to attend the NZUSA national conference in Auckland over the weekend. Orginially I flew up to take cool photos at the debt march and do a bit a bit of research into NZUSA’s campaign into combatting increasing levels of student debt. But after hanging around for the rest of the conference my eyes have been opened regarding the role that NZUSA plays nationally.
Unknown to many students is the fact that our students association is itself a member of the New Zealand Union of Student Associations. Its one of VUWSA’s largest expenses (i dont have the precise details at this stage) and the Union is funded primarily by contributions from its member associations. Present are delegates from all the top dogs (Auckland, Otago, Canturbury, Victoria) and also present are reps from polytechnics and other tertiary organisations.
So far on the agenda there have been workshops and summits regarding Alcohol and students, new media and student campaigning, an insight into the disastrous plight of student unions in Australia, after the Howard government instituted voluntary student unionism, and there have been a plethora of equity, and representative group discussions.
I must stop this overview here, as the political panel on tertiary education, is about to start.
And oh, if anyone was wondering if there have been any crazy executive antics, urine licked off streets, signs being stolen etc, then sadly I would have to dissapoint you. The executive have been quite boring so far. The only minor scandal is the motel they are staying in has been treating them with undue suspicion, due to the poor rep Vic students have after this years uni games. What a bore.
