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 15 constituent students' associations who represent approximately two thirds of all public tertiary equivalent fulltime students (EFTS) -approximately 180,000 students.

Representatives for 2009

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

In 2009 the Co-Presidents are Sophia Blair and Jordan King. The National Women's Rights Officer is to be elected in January. The Co-Presidents organise the daily business of Federation 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 Research Officer is Karen Price, the Rep Groups Coordinator is to be appointed in February, and the Federation Office is managed and administered by Trisha Hehir and Jennifer Young.