Massey University no longer funds the Students’ Association

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

The Massey University Students’ Association say the withdrawal of funding means they have been cut off from speaking out against the university.

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

Micah Geiringer of the Federation of Students Association said Report at noon although services will continue through Massey, it does not provide any certainty to the staff providing them.

“They claim they will be able to take over these services, but they are not offering any job security for our staff who currently provide them. So it looks like they’re saying they’re going to be able to do it, and they’re saying there’s not going to be a change in how students access new services, but they just don’t have the staff or the structures to provide them adequately,” Geiringer said. .

He said it appeared to be the first time a student union had been unmasked in New Zealand history.

At this stage, he’s not sure what the university’s plan is, but said he may look to create a restructuring proposal and ask the student body to adopt it.

“It looks like MUSA or Te Tira Ahu Pae will continue as a board and the association has taken a stand against Massey’s decision and it doesn’t look like we will co-operate with them if they want to restructure our association. against our will,” Geiringer said.

MUSA launched an appeal to the vice-chancellor and senior leadership team, asking them to reverse the decision.

He also hoped that other student unions across the country would join their calls and advocate against the decision.

He said he could not speak for the other associations, but it appears they agree with MUSA’s decision to advocate against the university’s decision.

Massey University has been contacted for comment.