Meeting Minutes
MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 15 JULY 2019 AT 9:20AM HELD IN THE CLUBS AND SOCIETIES CENTRE, ALBANY STREET, DUNEDIN
PRESENT
James Heath (Chair), Bonnie Harrison, William Dreyer, Kerrin Robertson-Scanlon, Josh Smith, Taylor Terekia, Sabrina Alhady and Jack Manning
IN ATTENDANCE
Debbie Downs (Chief Executive Officer), Donna Jones (Minute Secretary), Sinead Gill (Critic Reporter), Charlie Hilton (Critic Editor) and Ernest Bernard (Internal Audit Manager of Risk & Assurance & Compliance)
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS EXECUTIVE MEETING
Moved from the Chair
286/19 THAT the minutes of the Executive Meeting held on 8 July 2019 be accepted as a true and correct record.
CARRIED U
MATTERS ARISING
Taxation Bill submission being worked on.
SPEAKING RIGHTS
Moved from the Chair
287/19 THAT Debbie Downs, Donna Jones and Ernest Bernard be granted speaking rights for the duration of this meeting.
CARRIED U
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Nothing to report.
OUSA UPDATE
- Starters Bar had a good Saturday evening.
- Drug checking absolutely valuable especially as a foreign substance was detected.
- Basketball hoop event was fun a good turnout of students.
GUEST:
Ernest addressed the meeting to explain what his position entails, how he reports to the Vice Chancellor’s Advisory Group (VCAG) and how they are doing risk management and processes throughout the University. There has been a 2 year gap with no-one in this position so he is keen to catch up. Ernest is keen to get student input so asked for ideas for them to go through James Heath.
The Quality Advancement Unit are continuing their reviews throughout University and OUSA.
Moved from the Chair
288/19 THAT the meeting move into committee of the whole for reasons of commercial sensitivity at 9:30am.
CARRIED U
Moved from the Chair
289/19 THAT the meeting move out of committee of the while at 9:50am.
CARRIED U
Jack left at 9:50am
KIWI BUY
James emailed details around the executive. Kiwi Build is building houses for low income earners and could be a chance for students to become home owners or at least be able to rent to buy. They are working in conjunction with the Salvation Army.
There was concern expressed about the Salvation Army not being an inclusive body in the past. It was pointed out that research shows they are improving on their inclusiveness. Kerrin will investigate how this is progressing as people didn’t want to distance themselves from a good project if things had improved.
HUAG VACANCY
Tiana Mihaere has stepped down from this position and Taylor said Zaine Akuhata-Huntington was keen.
Taylor/Robertson-Scanlon
290/19 THAT Zaine Akuhata-Huntington be appointed to the Health University Advisory Group (HUAG).
CARRIED
ELECTIONS POLICY AMENDMENT
There was a desire to amend the clause to allow temporary chalking around campus.
Clause 9.1.7 of the Elections Policy be amended to read: Candidates must not campaign - using any substance that will leave a permanent mark on the University or public grounds.
Moved from the Chair
291/19 THAT the Elections Policy be amended. (Special resolution)
CARRIED U
ENROLMENT DOOR KNOCKING
Bonnie encouraged the Executive to sign up for the 2 hourly weekend door knocking around the north Dunedin streets. This weekend 2-4pm covering Leith, Castle and Howe Streets. Our Volunteer Coordinator Lou to be contacted for Volunteers to assist as well. The Electoral Commission will have a person coming as well.
WELFARE COMMITTEE MINUTES
Robertson-Scanlon/Dreyer
292/19 THAT the minutes of the Welfare Committee meeting held on 10 June 2019 be received.
CARRIED
STUDENT MEDIA INDEPENDENCE POLICY
As attached. This document was drafted a long time ago when Planet Media was an independent company back in 2016. It has been through a Lawyer. Feedback being asked from Radio One and Critic as well. Please get back to Debbie or James with comments.
NZUSA
As previously discussed. NZUSA is considering employing a part time staff member to lead a ‘Free Fees – Free Education’ campaign. This would cost around $22,000. James wanted everyone to have a view on this.
Moved from the Chair
293/19 THAT the meeting move into committee of the whole for reasons of commercial sensitivity at 10:25am.
CARRIED U
Moved from the Chair
294/19 THAT the meeting move out of committee of the whole at 10:42am.
CARRIED U
Some supported the actual campaign and said it was crucial to assist students. Some were cautious of the campaigns’ structure. The overall consensus was the campaign was a good idea but financially there were reservations. Te Roopu Maori would back the campaign that would assist their students financially if fees free remained.
It was said overall OUSA should get in behind this and support the Free Fees campaign.
Moved from the Chair
295/19 THAT OUSA supports the full establishment of a staff member at $22,000 to campaign for Free Fees – Free Education
An amendment to motion 295/19 was put:
Dreyer/Smith
296/19 THAT OUSA supports the full establishment of a staff member at $22,000 to campaign for Free Fees – Free Education with the caveat that OUSA has input on the campaign.
CARRIED
GENERAL BUSINESS
Te Mana Akonga – the national Maori Students’ Association are holding their conference at the Araiteuru Marae.
Australian Student Services Division are coming to Dunedin for a national conference in November. They would like a student representative to attend. Bonnie Harrison was asked to represent OUSA and students.
University of Otago 150th Anniversary Gold Ball – on 10 August 2019, 7pm at the Town Hall. $125 per person. To register, go to: bit.ly/2YLdqDn. Invite your friends and come along they are suggesting.
This semester Executive meeting times to be decided and James will get back to us. Next meeting Monday at 9.15am.
Valid Voter BBQ’s – next one is noon on Wednesday. The Electoral Commission will be helping with providing food and help. Please sign up on the roster.
Meeting closed at 10:55am
Signed: ___________________________________ Date: _________