Students Serving Students

The New Zealand Union of Students' Associations (NZUSA) is a federation of student associations and the largest student body in the country. NZUSA advocates for the common and collective concerns of students. NZUSA represents students at Universities, Colleges of Education and Polytechnics. We have 14 constituent students' associations who represent approximately two thirds of all public tertiary equivalent fulltime students (EFTS) -approximately 180,000 students.

Representatives for 2012

NZUSA elects national representatives (a President and a National Women's Rights Officer), who undertake the Association's daily business, and represent tertiary students at a national level.

 

In 2012 the Presidents is Pete Hodkinson. The National Women's Rights Officer position is currently unfilled as of January 2012. The President works with the Executive Director to organise the daily business of NZUSA Office.

 

NZUSA's main role is as a national voice for tertiary students.  NZUSA believes that it is fundamentally important to stand up for student and graduate rights, fight against the student loan scheme and towards high quality and barrier free tertiary education. NZUSA believes that tertiary education should be a right and not a privilege, and therefore, advocates for equal access for all.

 

NZUSA lobbies the Government, provides information to the general public and liaises with the media on student issues.  NZUSA represents the political unity, goals and strength of tertiary students from all over New Zealand.  NZUSA's elected Officers are accountable to the Federation Executive (Fedex) and the NZUSA general meeting. These bodies control the functions of elected officers and dictate their priorities and projects.

Staff

NZUSA has Alistair Shaw as it's Executive Director, a new position for 2012. The Director is responsible for the efficient and effective management of the organisation, and to provide leadership and vision to ensure successful implementation of NZUSA's goals and objectives.

 

NZUSA's Research Officer and Policy Analyst is Karen Price. This position assists NZUSA in being an effective, informed pressure group with tertiary education and student welfare as its focus and in achieving positive change for students. She undertakes research, writes submissions, provides training, education, and advice to student representatives about the impact of government tertiary education policies on students.

 

NZUSA's Office Coordinator, Campaigns Coordinator, and Reps Groups Coordinator positions are currently vacant.