Massey University will stop funding the student union

Massey University’s Palmerston North campus.
Photo: 123RF

The Students’ Association of Massey University says the defunding means they have been silenced from speaking out against the university.

Te Tira Ahu Pae currently provides independent representation, advocacy, clubs and events, but Massey University says it will continue to provide these services itself.

Micah Geiringer of the Federation of Student Associations explained Afternoon report Although services will continue through Massey, this does not provide any security for the staff providing these services.

“They claim they can take on these services, but they do not provide any job security for our employees who currently provide them. So it seems they are claiming they can do it and claiming there will be no change in the way students access new services, they just don’t have the staff or structures to actually distribute them adequately” , Geiringer said.

He said it appeared it was the first time in New Zealand history that a student union had been disbanded.

At this point, he isn’t sure what the university’s plan is, but he said a restructuring proposal could be made and the student body would be asked to adopt it.

“It appears that MUSA or Te Tira Ahu Pae will continue as board and the association has spoken out against Massey’s decision and it does not appear that we will work with them if they wish to restructure our association. against our will,” Geiringer said.

MUSA has called the vice chancellor and senior leadership team to request that the decision be reversed.

He also hoped that other student associations across the country would join their call and argue against the decision.

He said he could not speak for the other associations, but it appeared they agreed with MUSA’s decision to argue against the university’s decision.

Massey University has been contacted for comment.