The “New-Look” NZUSA

Tu Tangata, Issue 34, 1 February 1987, Page 12

The “New-Look” NZUSA

National Office will now consist of: 1 President, 1 Vice President, 2 Research Officers, 1.5 Clerical Workers, 1 Administrative Secretary. Maori Students were offered autonomy and asked to set up a separate national organisation. Funding was offered for a three year period at a rate of: 1987 12% of NZUSA’s income 1988 9% of NZUSA’s income 1989 5% of NZUSA’s income However, Council managed to compromise on: 12%, 10% and 9%. We had attempted to get 12% for each year but felt a compromise at this stage was best for all parties. We also bargained for an establishment grant, plus use of NZUSA office space until such time as we find adequate alternative space. Campus voting weights were renegotiated so they are now: Auckland 12 Canterbury 8 Victoria 8 Otago 7 Massey 6 Waikato 5 Lincoln 3 Total 49 The make-up of National Executive was changed quite dramatically. Until now National Executive (which oversees NZUSA’s operations, finances,

and National Office) had been made up of the seven Campus Presidents plus national officers. Now, it is effectively the Presidents. National Executive now has the power to suspend a national officer for negligence or incompetence and to call an SGM to ‘sack’ or ‘roll’ the officer. All-in-all it was an effective August Council and proved that when it came to the crunch, students were prepared to do something about ensuring NZUSA’s ongoing survival. 1987 will be a telling year for all!

MAORI STUDENT NATIONAL ASSOCIATION For Maori students there are several benefits of NZUSA restructuring. But some of you may be thinking, what is the point of having an association, and isn’t it separatist? Well, for the good of NZUSA, they suggested it as it would undoubtedly save them money. From our point of view it gives us more freedom to work on education and welfare issues as they affect us. On September 19-21 Nga Toki, made up mainly of the Maori Students Officers from each campus, met to discuss and arrive at agreement on this issue. As is the nature of Maori hui we aimed at reaching a compromise that

was workable to all campuses. There were reservations of course and it is fair to say that most of these were centered on the financial aspects of such an organisation. We felt however, that there must be a national organisation for Maori students, and its general aims must be: 1. To improve the education and welfare of Maori university students; 2. To work closely with the Maori Community on issues affecting Te Ao Maori We believe that contact between Maori students on campuses be encouraged and so we feel that a regional structure is a good idea. The campuses would be grouped into three regions thus: Northern: Tamaki makaurau (AUSA) and Waikato (WSU). Central: Manawatu (MUSA), Raukawa (TWoR) and Whanganui-a-Tara (VUWSA). Southern: Waihora (LCSA), Waitaha (UCSA) and Otakou (OUSA).

Regions would be responsible for encouraging social, sporting, academic and political activities such as intercampus hui, sports exchanges, inviting each other to student functions, setting up (continuing) study groups and so on. One of the more contentious issues

was whether or not there should continue to be a national office. Much discussion and korero was spent on this particular issue, all of it good and worthwhile. The end result was we feel there should be a “national coordinator”, rather than a president. Accordingly the name of the position will change from Tumuaki Maori as it is now, to Te Kaihono Tauira.

‘Hono’ means to join and we see this person as being a networker, a coordinator for Maori university students. The work of Te Kaihono would be: ★ to network with Maori students and the Maori community;

★ to co-ordinate campus based lobbying as well as Wellington-based lobbying to Government Departments, Cabinet Ministers etc;

★ to ensure adequate funding for the organisation.

This work would continue to be supervised by Nga Toki, which would exist in its current form, being made of delegates from campuses, the only difference here is that we would now be able to include te Whare Wananga o Raukawa, which is the ‘Maori’ University situated in Otaki. This university offers the degree of B.M.A. (Bachelor of Maori and Admin) and is run under the auspices of Te Atiawa, Ngati Toa Rangatira and Ngati Raukawa.

WHAT WILL A SEPARATE ORGANISATION DO?

For the first time we will be able to

work solely on Maori education issues. Some of these include:

★ Law and Medical school reviews at Otago;

★ ensuring Maori student common rooms are established on each campus, to provide space for social activities, study groups, hui etc;

★ lobbying for Maori liaison officers to be on all University Staff rolls. These people would be the Maori connection to the academic study for new Maori students coming from both urban and rural backgrounds; ★ lobbying University lecturers to ensure that a Maori perspective is included in relevant academic subjects. A good example here is having a Maori claimant to the Waitangi Tribunal lecture in Law Schools on the Treaty of Waitangi. After all, it was signed by two peoples, so the least we can do is ensure that both sides of it are taught to our lawyers, Pakeha and Maori; ★ and many more! Until now, we have been a ‘tagged-on’ part of NZUSA and working with their rules, regulations and meetings (heaps of them!) has constantly drained the energy levels of our national worker. Hopefully that energy can be more usefully directed to issues such as those listed above.

On a campus level, we envisage that Clubs and Komiti’s would continue as before, or become stronger. A clear message came from this hui that we must cater for social, sporting, academic and political activities. Hope-

fully the re-arranged structure will come closer to achieving the ideal, that is, when the majority of Maori students are proud to be Maori without being hassled or embarrassed about it.

On a final note, we decided to call this national association of our’s, “Nga Toki o Aotearoa”. A toki is an axe, with which we will cut away all the barriers that hold Maori students back in education.

By cutting away the barriers we will rise as young totara trees to take the place beside our kaumatua, to learn from them the things that make us Maori so that when the time comes each of us will be able to take our place in Te Ao Maori with confidence. We can look forward to a better world for the mokopuna who have yet to come. Ki ta te korero a kui ma, a koro ma, “Ka pu te ruha, ka hao te rangatahi”. e tika! No reira, e nga tauira katoa, kia kaha te mahi, kia toa, kia manawanui! wanui! Ka mutu i konei. Ko Te Aniwa raua ko Mate Paihana. PS: If you have any questions don’t hesitate to write to us or phone us at: NZUSA PO Box 9047 Wellington Phone 856-669 or contact your local Maori Students Office or campus president. Kia ora koutou!