mawsa elections
Student Election Resources
Mawsa elections role desriptions
Elections Nomination Form 2010
MAWSA Election Campaign Code of Conduct 2010
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE REPORT
- The 2010 student elections season has begun, which begs some questions:
Who’s going to do what they say they will?
And who do we want to do what? YOU be the judge!
Matt Shand gets to know the Presidential candidates a little and shares his view of the situation:
This year promises to be a potentially electric election with two candidates running for student president.
I thought it was best to get to know each candidate a bit better so we can all make an informed decision.
DANA MORAN for Student President.
Over a round of Connect Four at the mawsa office, I met with Dana Moran—a first-time contender for the top job.
Dana is a familiar sight around the mawsa office having served as Vice President under current Student President Alex Lloyd throughout his term.
She is in her second year of study at Massey and has just recently moved from the design campus to begin a Bachelor of Communication.
“I plan to get into a management position within the media industry, though I probably have a year or two to think about which one,” she laughs.
Why should I vote for you?
“I think that I can make a difference,” she said, pausing as she plunked down her Connect Four token.
“I know that sounds cliché but I believe that my ideas will benefit the students around campus. I love the Massey campus, but it is too spread out. I want to increase the culture by bringing together all the students, from nursing, design and business and find ways for us to interact”.
“I also want to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. I mean, at the moment, we don’t even have a nursing executive so those students are not well heard within mawsa.”
What’s the difference between you and Mr Larsen?
With two candidates to choose from this question may come up often throughout the various election campaigns. I asked Dana about what sets her aside from her opponent.
“I’m empathetic, approachable and always know how to listen to others. I enjoy working with people which may be shown by my large retail background—quite large actually considering my age.” She tails off while making a calculation. “Fuck, I’m turning 20, tomorrow!”
“I believe that I have the empathy and can work on the business side of things throughout the year. Jason has the business side of things down, but I really don’t think you can learn empathy.”
Why should we vote at all?
Let’s face it, student elections in the past have been lacklustre and failed to attract high voter turnouts. This year appears to be different as two candidates are going head-to-head and both stand to bring about notable change.
Dana says, “We need a leader to guide students in the right direction. The campuses are too separated from each other and, without leadership, this may start to get worse.”
Your campaign promises and aspirations … GO!
» As your President, I will ensure 2011 will be a year of growth and thinking big. My main goal is to bring the campus together to enhance the student experience. I will work closely with Massey and the Greater Wellington Region to achieve this.
» I will get students more actively involved to enhance campus culture. I plan to create a good volunteer base and ensure that every area of campus is represented. Clubs started off well this year, but, in 2011, I will help them grow even bigger. Class reps are the gateway to making sure students are fairly and adequately represented and I will ensure the system functions even better. Furthermore, events on campus such as Health Campaigns, Quiz nights and Free Lunches will be BIGGER!
» mawsa needs improved sustainability, whether or not Voluntary Student Membership comes in. This is a big goal, but with my existing knowledge and financial acumen I will tackle it head on.
» You (the students) are the reason mawsa exists and are my number one priority. When I leave, I want to know that mawsa has earned your support, and that you are getting the most support from us to maximise your student experience.
JASON LARSEN for Student President.
The other candidate I was scheduled to meet was Jason Larsen. This is also his first time running for the top job but he is no stranger to the inner workings of the mawsa office.
Well, at least on paper…
The problem is that Jason is rarely around the Executive offices— being busy with both study and a social networking business which he has recently started running.
Even as I write this he is absent from his ‘meet the candidate’ meeting with the Magneto staff and has still failed to return my numerous phone calls, voice messages and personal reminders from other administration staff. In all honesty it is not a good start for a budding Student President.
Moments before I was forced to apply a ‘no response’ comment to his questions, he came in—huffing and puffing from a brisk walk from his office. I gave him five minutes to answer a question as we must be fair on voters, who require this information and, at the same time, I had to be fair to the other candidates who gave up their time to conduct a full interview.
Why should I vote for you?
“Well because I am the best man for the job,” he said bluntly. “I plan to create a much more dynamic atmosphere around the campus focusing on developing sports teams and cultural events like gigs. I can build on existing relationships with the Wellington Rugby Union and football clubs to bring up this element of campus life.” He added that he intends to book bands for Orientation that are in the ‘top 100’.
Will you even have time to commit to the job if you are appointed?
“Oh absolutely. I only work 20 hours at my own social media company, Black Stag, and do just one paper per semester. The rest of the time I will be at Massey. When you look at the Student President role, there are a lot of logistics that are undertaken. I plan to remove a lot of those responsibilities—putting them onto the two vice president roles.”
Your campaign promises and aspirations … GO!
» If you have spent two years at Massey, you have paid over $290 in fees to mawsa, if you have spent three years, it’s over $430! So the question is: do you feel like you have had value for money?
» It’s on a basis of change that I stand for election as mawsa president. Currently, mawsa concentrates its efforts into two main areas:
advocacy and student representation. Although important, they present little value back to the naked eye.
I believe it’s time for mawsa to look outside these boxes, with a focus on tangible frontline services. As President, I will have three major focus points: events, sports and internships.
» Orientation and ReOrientation are two important times in the student year. mawsa spends over $40,000 on events during these two weeks alone, which, in the past, have had low appeal. As President, Orientation and ReOrientation will both feature gigs from top 10 NZ bands, special events for mature students and networking for post grad and extramural students.
» As president, $20,000 of new investment will go into developing sports teams on campus. A further $10,000 into developing summer internship programs for design, business, science, engineering and technology students.
» I believe that by providing revenue-generating frontline services (with real perceived value amongst those whom we serve is essential) and with your vote, we can work towards achieving these goals.
SUMMARY OF PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Based on my own interviews with the two hopefuls, it is difficult to pick a favourite.
Jason definitely has an air of confidence about him and will make a good public speaker for student rights. I can imagine him tackling a large issue and giving it his full attention as well as being ‘at home’ on a soapbox. His major flaw, however, is that he is stretched for time. In my experience, these ambitious people will take on too much at once as they cannot say no to an opportunity.
Despite what he says, the Student President position is a 40-hours-per-week appointment. Coupled with 20 hours at his other job and 12.5 for a course paper—he is looking at a very tough year.
His inability to keep appointments, maintain communication and be available when needed suggests he is already struggling with his workload.
This could be helped by a strong executive to back him up, but the same could be said of any Student President. Given some extra time he could make a strong candidate.
Dana, on the other hand, is enthusiastic and passionate about student issues. She is often in the office and works hard in her Vice President role. In order to be an effective Student President, however, she will need to become a bit more aggressive and learn to stand up strongly for her beliefs. Whether she can make this leap will be shown over the next few weeks during her campaign.
Dana has ambitious goals but, without learning how to be a fighter, she will have trouble achieving these.
In summary, both candidates have areas to improve on in order to become a competent Student President. The next few weeks will test their characters and will form the basis of how most people vote.
Rumour has it that one of these two Presidential campaigns has already gotten off to a dodgy start. We won’t describe any earlybird Facebook tactics within this article in the interests of keeping the election competitive and beneficial to students (but we’ll field any questions readers might have). You know who you are and should be aware that Magneto is watching and will be in years to come—not to mention the entire student body.
So to all students at Massey University Wellington, get involved. learn about the candidates; they will shape your campus throughout 2011 and the things they do will affect Massey in years to come. Make sure they shape your university experience into something that you respect and deserve.
CANDIDATE REPORT
- Make sure you catch the campaigns leading up to Elections Week: 20-24 September.
Here, we give the VP and Executive candidates a chance to speak about their policies.
MAX BUSBY
for Welfare Vice President.
1. What do you think the priorities for students are in the upcoming years?
I think that the main priorities for students in the coming years is making sure people still get a fair chance at entry into courses. As we have seen with Vic, Otago, Auckland and even Massey, they have had to close entrance for domestic students for this semester and next year. I also think another major hurdle facing students is the government’s lack of funding for institutions, which in turn, will cause universities to find other means of funding, such as international students, or, in the worst case, hiking tuition fees for students.
2. What do you want to achieve in this role?
In the VP (welfare) role, I want to achieve a greater amount of change on campus. We have a strong Pacifica group, however we also need to build on other areas to make sure everyone has a say. Areas such as Maori, Postgrad, Queer and other groups also need a voice on campus.
3. Who are you exactly? Where do you come from? What are you studying, and where are you heading?
I’m Max Busby, currently in my 3rd year of a Bachelor of Design, majoring in Advertising. I’ve lived here in Wellington all my life, out in Titahi Bay. I’ve been the Maori Executive for the last year and a half and this semester I have taken on the CoCA Executive position. I want to end up working in an ad agency, helping change the world—an execution at a time.
4. What do you enjoy about The Massey Campus Wellington?
The massey campus here in Wellington has a distinctly different feel to many other University campuses I’ve been to. We have a strong sense of community, and also a very creative culture on campus, partly from being in the creative capital, but also because we have the leading design school in the country. This, mixed with the fact we are minutes away from industry, government and the reserve bank lends us an incredibly special environment.
5. What do you think needs to be improved on?
I definitely think that some buildings have been left for quite a while and are now starting to show their age. However, the university has started to tend to these issues. The other thing I think Wellington’s campus could improve upon is the way the university connects with their students. Greater transparency is needed, and not just a once-per-year video conference with the Vice Chancellor.
6. Why should students vote in the upcoming elections?
For the same reasons you should vote in the General Elections, if you don’t vote, you don’t really get a say! But really, voting is a democratic process that helps choose who YOU think are the best people to represent you, both on campus and nationally.
7. How important is the executive do the lives of everyday students?
Every week we help hundreds of students on campus. We hold free barbeques, give out foodbank parcels, bring you Student Job Search and plenty of other services. Most importantly, we are your voice on the University Board. We’re so powerful, that in 2004 we, along with ASA and MUSA, managed to get the university to halt fee rises for that year. So yeah, you could say we’re pretty important to you.
8. In 50 words, describe why you are the best pick for the role.
I’ve had nearly two full years experience on the executive, in multiple roles and met with many people that have helped shape who I am and how I think about issues facing students. Also, just because I’m a design student doesn’t mean I sit around drawing pretty pictures. I’ve got a pretty good brain too.
ALEX HEMA
for Education Vice President.
1. What do you think the priorities for students are in the upcoming years?
In terms of mawsa, I think that priorities for students are, fundamentally, ensuring that students’ years of studying are as comfortable as possible. This includes creating a student community base, providing a voice for students and of course being available to assist with any student issues, both academic and otherwise.
2. What do you want to achieve in this role?
The role of Education Vice President has been disestablished in the past few years, resulting in a bit of a breakdown in relationships and communication between the students, academic information and Massey University academic personnel. My aim in this role would be to reestablish these relationships and communication channels.
3. Who are you exactly? Where do you come from? What are you studying, and where are you heading?
My name is Alex Hema and I grew up in Wellington. At the moment I am in my second year of a Bachelor of Communication, majoring in Public Relations. Ultimately I would like to finish my degree at the end of next year and head up to Auckland for a year to do a postgrad in Events Management before heading over to the UK.
4. What do you enjoy about The Massey Campus Wellington?
It sounds silly, but I really like that Massey Wellington is so small. It’s nice to wander around campus and know half the people that are studying there, it makes the campus much more friendly and community-based. Because I grew up in Wellington, going from high school to Massey wasn’t a huge transition for me, but I’d like to think that the already established Massey vibe made it easier for people for whom it was a bit harder.
5. What do you think needs to be improved on?
As I’ve already mentioned, I think that Massey’s academic linkages are a bit wrecked, which is why I wanted to run for EVP. To me, this is an area at Massey which definitely needs a bit of improvement, and I’d like to play a part in achieving this.
6. Why should students vote in the upcoming elections?
I know a lot of students think mawsa don’t really do much, but those people would be surprised. I think it’s up to you as to whether or not you vote, bearing in mind that at the end of the day it is these people who decide how many free lunches, dinners, massages (etc, etc, etc) you receive. We all know how important these decisions are so you probably want a good team determining these matters.
7. How important is the Executive do the lives of everyday students?
Pretty much, the Executive is there to make life a little bit easier for students, in whatever ways they can. What the Executive does ranges from putting on social events to assisting with academic problems, cooking sausages to attending meetings and organising trips. These are the people who work behind the scenes to help students out.
8. In 50 words, describe why you are the best pick for the role.
I hate these types of questions, they always seem like a bit of a toot your own horn. I’m not going to prattle on for 50 words, all I will say is that I’m on the Massey academic board and currently a mawsa exec and I love both. How can you not be good at something you love?
LAURA MUNRO
for International & Culture Executive.
1. What do you think the priorities for students are in the upcoming years?
I know for me, the increase in GST and the recession have put a strain on my finances. I imagine this is true for all making it harder for students to afford to study. A main priority for many students over the next few years will be to maintain an affordable lifestyle and a career at the end of their studies.
2. What do you want to achieve in this role?
In this role I’d like it to be a two way street. I love meeting people from all places and walks of life; if you can’t bring Mohammed to the mountain, bring the mountain to Mohammed! I do plan on travelling, but this is the next best thing. I wish to make the international students experience at Massey Wellington the best it can be. There is a real advantage to being a student and helping fellow students, as we know exactly what’s going on inside the school, doing the same papers, same assignments. I feel this is a relationship greatly benefiting to both myself and international students.
3. Who are you exactly? Where do you come from? What are you studying, and where are you heading?
I am Laura Munro from Napier New Zealand. I’m studying a Bachelor of Design—majoring in visual communication design. I am a huge geek witha soft spot for Nintendo 64, a passion for design and a little bit shy but totally committed, organised, friendly and approachable. I’m heading for three more years at Massey—haha! From there, who knows? Travelling ranks high on the list, job title and salary not important. Just doing what I love will be enough.
4. What do you enjoy about The Massey Campus Wellington?
I love being in the heart of Wellington! Just a hop, skip and a jump to anywhere you’d ever want to be. I enjoy the fact that we are such a small university compared to some of those around us, yet achieve so much, it’s intimidating but makes us work that much harder. I also appreciate the variety of people we have on campus, it makes me realise what a small city Napier was and how glad I am to get out of it—haha.
5. What do you think needs to be improved on?
I think, especially in the Creative College, a level of consistency is needed over the papers. I have far too often been talking to someone doing the exact same assignment but you would never realise because the tutors are teaching entirely different things. Don’t get me wrong, the papers are great, but it makes it hard to collaborate with others.
6. Why should students vote in the upcoming elections?
Why wouldn’t they? It only takes a few minutes and they are the ones to deal with the outcome! We are the students’ voice and we need to be heard.
7. How important is the Executive do the lives of everyday students?
It’s very important. Without us, what would you be doing during orientation? We love putting on some good parties, but also play an important role in the school, providing things such as food parcels for those finding it hard to make it through to the next studylink payment, and most importantly I think, just a person that is there and cares about what everyday students have to say, knowing that we actually listen and follow up on our promises.
8. In 50 words, describe why you are the best pick for the role.
I’ve been working hard in the past few months to get to know the workings of mawsa, setting up lines of communication, I have the time, energy and ability to do great things in this role. I’m not afraid to stand up for what I believe in, and enjoy a challenge.
GRAEDON PARKER
for International & Culture Executive.
1. What do you think the priorities for students are in the upcoming years?
Getting the degree you want while having a whale of a time doing so is probably the biggest and most tangible goal I think students should have. Along with taking advantage of all the amazing opportunities that mawsa and the University can offer to you. For example, the free toilet paper.
2. What do you want to achieve in this role?
Did it ever occur to you that we could be studying somewhere overseas paying almost the exact same fees as what we pay here? It makes me giddy thinking about how few of us know that finishing an assignment in an igloo, or writing an essay on a sunny beach in California could be possible. My goal, along with the rest of the mawsa posse, is to push all these exciting opportunities out under the students’ noses, and give them a whiff of all the riveting possibilities available to them.
There is a fair bit of funding kicking around that can be put towards the development of a broader range of exchange programmes, supporting cultural events and there’s also money to be put aside for student exchange scholarships – just to make it easier for you to get to where you want to hit next.
3. Who are you exactly? Where do you come from? What are you studying, and where are you heading?
I’m a pretty smiley fella with an odd sense of humour, hailing from a big city somewhere up north. I have an unusual love for visual arts and, occasionally, casked wine.
4. What do you enjoy about The Massey Campus Wellington?
The thing that myself and, I’m sure, every other student around here enjoys the most are the bender parties on the weekends. Also: studying.
5. What do you think needs to be improved on?
Going on an adventure to a new country to study can be weird, also very awkward, and, in a tight society like ours, some can feel like a bit of a sore thumb trying to fit in. One of the top things on my list is showing the exchange students at Massey a real semester in Wellington. Taking the time to organise interesting events that also involve the rest of us students; helping bring them into our social loop, doing our culture proud so that they go back home and talk about how dope/gangster Wellington was.
6. Why should students vote in the upcoming elections?
At the end of the day, the mawsa committee are the ones who call the shots, and it’s all up to the students to vote for the best of the best in order for everyone to have a cranking year next year.
7. How important is the Executive do the lives of everyday students?
Even though most students have no idea what is going on at mawsa, I think they would notice pretty fast if it suddenly stopped existing. Without all the Execs (and mawsa staff), there would be no uni events, no clubs, no magazine, no free toilet paper, and most of all, there would be none of that good University spirit floating around like it does when you read an issue of Magneto, or when you grab a condom with a smile off the mawsa reception desk.
8. In 50 words, describe why you are the best pick for the role.
Choosing the right man for the job is always brain-boggling. But being a 2nd year design student here at Massey, an exchange is on the cards for me somewhere in the future and, coming from this perspective, I think that there is a lot of good that I can contribute towards helping develop the international and cultural areas around uni. Because ultimately, all I want to do for the international and cultural students is what they would do for me when I eventually disappear off on an exchange.
So tick my box. You know I‘d tick yours.
Hard.
BROOKE HAWE
for Maori Executive.
1. What do you think the priorities for students are in the upcoming years?
There are many important issues for students, especially within the upcoming year. I believe that we need to adapt to the changing policies made to tertiary education by the government, which are making it harder for students to even study at university, like the early closure of Summer school dictated.
2. What do you want to achieve in this role?
I want to offer as much support and assistance as I can to Maori students while they study here at Massey, as well as network with the other campuses in Palmerston and Albany. I believe that through this support a stronger Maori presence can be achieved across all campuses.
3. Who are you exactly? Where do you come from? What are you studying, and where are you heading?
I’m Brooke Hawe, I’m from Wellington and am a 2nd year communication student majoring in public relations. I am a proud Maori student from the Te Arawa Iwi.
4. What do you enjoy about The Massey Campus Wellington?
The Wellington campus has a great atmosphere, most people are friendly; you can pretty much talk to anyone and they’re keen for a bit of a chat. I may be a little biased, being from Wellington, though.
5. What do you think needs to be improved on?
I think there could be improvements made to communication between students studying and the mawsa executives. We can only serve your interests and needs if you come and talk to us! I plan to open up this channel of communication to increase the campus vibe.
6. Why should students vote in the upcoming elections?
Students should vote at this upcoming student election because we make decisions on behalf of the student body. These decisions can affect everyone who studies at Massey; is a chance to have your say.
7. How important is the Executive do the lives of everyday students?
The Executive has the ability to affect the lives of students greatly—so long as the student body utilizes the resources and assistance we have to offer.
8. In 50 words, describe why you are the best pick for the role.
I care about the student body and am willing to help them out as much as possible. I’m highly motivated, a good listener and am willing to put my existing knowledge as Maori Executive to further use in the upcoming year. I am looking forward to making a difference.
CONNAL SUMNER-DAVIS
for Pasifika Executive.
1. What do you think the priorities for students are in the upcoming years?
I believe that the main priorities for students in the upcoming years involve taking advantage of the opportunities that are going to become available as the world picks itself up and begins to recover from the recent financial crisis.
2. What do you want to achieve in this role?
I think that the continued development of a strong student community is very important in helping students to achieve. I wish to help in mawsa’s continued growth and development.
3. Who are you exactly? Where do you come from? What are you studying, and where are you heading?
My name is Connal Sumner-Davis and I am a second year Visual Design Student here at Massey. I came to Wellington from my home town of Nelson as part of a continued interest in the Arts and Design.
4. What do you enjoy about The Massey Campus Wellington?
I love the vibe of the Massey campus here in Wellington. The friendly atmosphere continues to motivate me as much as when I first arrived.
5. What do you think needs to be improved on?
I believe in terms of improvement I would like to see the continued strengthening of our student community. In times of stress or hardship it is our bonds with our fellow peers that are important in helping us overcome our challenges—whether this be as involved as providing us with a study partner or as basic as a sympathetic ear to absorb our ranting. This ultimately is the reason I have put my name forward and would be my main priority if elected.
6. Why should students vote in the upcoming elections?
I think students should vote because at the very least it gives them the right to complain about who is selected. No, but seriously, I would encourage all students to get involved. At the end of the day, they’re the reason any of this is going on.
7. How important is the Executive do the lives of everyday students?
I feel that the Exec helps their fellow students in two ways. Firstly they provide someone with whom they can raise any issues or problems they may have encountered and secondly in a more behind the scenes role helping to organise events and activities for their benefit.
8. In 50 words, describe why you are the best pick for the role.
I Connal John Sumner-Davis believe that I would be a good choice for Pasifika Exec because I although I have had only limited experience in this type of role before I have a clear understanding on how I would like to see mawsa develop. As I have mentioned above I am a solid believer in the benefits that learning in a community environment can provide. As Exec I believe I would be in a position to help bring Massey students closer together so that we all can all help each other drink from the Well of Knowledge.
TOM HOLDEN
for College of Creative Arts Executive.
Tom decided not to answer the questions we asked him and instead submitted the following:
The hardest part of a design degree, is finding a job at the end.
I’m running for CoCA executive to change this.
As CoCA executive, my main priority will be the development of 100 new undergraduate internships and 50 postgraduate internships.This program is designed to open up new employment opportunities for students and allow for a taste of the working world.
Freelancing is an important part of a designer’s life. I want to work with the business college and the College of Creative Arts, to introduce the option of a freelance paper, the program will be based around equipping designers with the essential business skills they need to effectively freelance.
Finally I want to see more opportunities for designer’s to make contacts within the industry. I will be working to set up several major events, including a series of industry speed dating events aimed at connecting future graduates with top industry designers from Weta Workshop, Huffer and Resn just to name a few.
RICHARD CHANG
for Pasifika Executive
1. What do you think the priorities for students are in the upcoming years?
It is in my experience that the main priorities for students in the upcoming years is to continue the hard work in their studies and giving that extra effort to challenge ones self in achieving the best possible outcome for their future. Grab the opportunity and don’t look back.
2. What do you want to achieve in this role?
For me, this role gives me the chance as a pasifika student to be the voice for other pacific students on campus. A chance to work with a great team in looking at the overall activities and ways which would benefit all the students on campus.
3. Who are you exactly? Where do you come from? What are you studying, and where are you heading?
My name is Richard Chang and I hail from the warm tropical island of Fiji. I am a 3rd year business Student majoring in Enterprise Development. My goal at the moment is to get a degree and at the same time lend a helping hand to the pacific students in achieving their goals as well.
4. What do you enjoy about The Massey Campus Wellington?
The thing I like about the Massey Wellington Campus is the fact that everyone is friendly and helpful people are around you whenever you need help.
5. What do you think needs to be improved on?
I am happy with the ways things are and have never had any problems with anything. However, as said, there is always room for improvement. Looking at that I can only say that for pasifika students, there is always room for other students that want to join and also the service that can be provided to help the students out in areas where difficulty is seen in achieving that “A” grade.
6. Why should students vote in the upcoming elections?
Voting is an important part in elections and is more important to students. Students should vote because they are the ones we are dong this for and it is their choice who they want in the roles provided at mawsa. It is a student association and therefore student’s interests are vital to the ongoing operation.
7. How important is the Executive do the lives of everyday students?
Having an Exec is important to students. It helps to be an exec that students can relate to and speak to at a student level. For pasifika students this is an issue which tracks back to culture and traditions. Therefore having this would give the pacifika students a chance to speak to someone whom they are comfortable with.
8. In 50 words, describe why you are the best pick for the role.
I would be the best for the role considering my 2 years experience with the students and mawsa. Over the past few years I have developed and worked with Pasifika staff members in trying to help the student academic wise and also organising activities to make sure that the students get the best experience at university. As a Pacific student I find it easier for me to see and understand the difficulties that they may encounter and to act upon it to help the students out in any way I can.
SIMON COOKE
for College of Creative Arts Executive.
1. What do you think the priorities for students are in the upcoming years?
The financial situation in New Zealand has made things tighter in all areas for a lot of students.
Fewer jobs, government budget cuts affecting the number of places available at Universities, and higher living costs are all affecting Massey students. Priorities like affordable tuition fees, reasonably priced accommodation and an active social life are issues that I will represent CoCA students on.
2. What do you want to achieve in this role?
As your mawsa CoCA executive I want be the voice of design and arts students, working hard as a strong advocate for your interests and issues. After talking with Massey CoCA students I have developed the following key policies:
-More student-friendly on campus resources. Cheaper printing, stationery and art supplies for CoCA students (Convenience shouldn’t be an excuse for rip-off).
-Later closing times for computer labs during hand in week.
-More freebies and giveaways.
3. Who are you exactly? Where do you come from? What are you studying, and where are you heading?
Tēnā koutou, Ko Simon Cooke toku ingoa, Ko Aoraki te maunga, Ko Waimakariri te awa, Ko Ngāi Tahu te iwi, Ko Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou te hapū. Tēnā tatou katoa
Hello everyone my name is Simon Cooke. I moved to Wellington from Christchurch and began my studies at Massey in 2009 after completing a working gap-year with Fulton Hogan Canterbury.
I have been interested in art all my life, and became inspired by the digital design medium in my later years at Burnside High School. I am now coming to the end of the second year of my four-year degree (Bachelor of Design [Hons]), and have enjoyed the challenging wide range of design-based papers Massey has to offer. Once I complete my degree I hope to further my travels around the world through the UK and Europe, and also aspire to run my own digital arts/graphic design firm. I am a bold approachable leader that is pro-active, organized and good representative for you the CoCA student.
4. What do you enjoy about The Massey Campus Wellington?
We are lucky to have an awesome central campus that is close to town, and Wellington’s essential supermarkets, retail stores and resources. It is the interesting and diverse group of people that study here at Massey that creates such a vibrant student community.
5. What do you think needs to be improved on?
Through mawsa I want build a stronger bond within the CoCA ‘clan’ that we all feel proud to be a part of. I want to develop a more efficient communication between you and mawsa on your issues, ideas and concerns.
6. Why should students vote in the upcoming student elections?
As a Massey student it is your right and privilege to vote who you believe can do the best job and represent you as a student. It is important that students vote so that their voice is heard, because every vote counts.
7. How important is the executive to the lives of everyday students?
mawsa aims to improve the quality of student life at Massey Wellington. To succeed in this goal, mawsa must be tuned-in to student’s needs and expectations, which is why the elected Student Executive governs it.
8. In 50 words, describe why you are the best pick for the role
As CoCA exec in 2011, I would work hard at making positive changes to uni life at Massey Wellington. My experience in event planning and student representation has given me the skills and knowledge to make an impact with this role. I am a passionate, motivated and approachable leader with enthusiastic plans for 2011.
2010 STUDENT ELECTIONS BREAKDOWN
YOUR VOTING BALLOT WILL LOOK SOMETHING LIKE THIS:
» Student President:
- Dana Moran
- Jason Larsen
- no confidence
» Vice President – Welfare:
- Max Busby
- no confidence
» Vice President – Education:
- Aex Hema
- no confidence
» International & Culture Executive:
- Laura Munro
- Graedon Parker
- no confidence
» Maori Executive:
- Brooke Hawe
- no confidence
» Pasifika Executive:
- Connal Sumner-Davis
- Richard Chang
- no confidence
» College of Creative arts:
- Tom Holden
- Max busby
- Simon Cooke
- no confidence
HOW TO VOTE
So, with all this in mind, do take a minute to vote during Elections Week (September 20-24). The results have a bearing on more than you may realise – so do be discerning.
During Elections Week, there will be voting stations set up around campus; we’ll make sure you’re can’t miss them.
If you won’t be around campus during that week, come and see us at the mawsa office and we’ll provide for a special vote.
Just take a little time to get a feel for the candidates (hopefully you’ll catch some of the campaigning during the weeks leading up to this).
Then make a decision and rest assured that you’ve played a part in the direction of student life at Massey University, Wellington.
