OUSA Referendum – Have Your Say!

What is the OUSA Referendum?
The OUSA Referendum is your chance to directly influence the decisions and direction of your Students' Association. It’s like a big student vote where you get to say “yes”, “no”, or “abstain” on important questions that affect you, your student experience, and how OUSA represents you.

How does it work?

• Students can submit questions they want the entire student body to vote on.

• These questions might be about OUSA policies, priorities, or new ideas for events, services, or campaigns.

• Once submissions close, the final list of questions will go out for student voting.

Why should you get involved?

• It’s your opportunity to shape what OUSA does.

• If you have an issue you care about, you can propose a question and spark change.

• Every vote counts — your voice helps guide the future of your student community!

Important Dates:

• Submit your questions by: 2nd of May (email them to adminvp@ousa.org.nz)

• Forum: 20th of May at 12pm in the Main Common Room

• Voting opens: 26th to 28th of May

Up Next - FORUM

Come along to the Forum on the 20th of May at 12pm in the Main Common Room to ask the Executive questions about the referendum. 

Want to make a difference?
Get involved and make sure you vote!

Referendum Question List

1. Should the Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) Annual Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 be received and accepted? 

2. Should OUSA's Annual Report for 2024 be received and accepted? 

3. Should OUSA advocate for students who are required to complete unpaid placements to be paid for the services they provide on such placements? 

4. Should OUSA establish student friendly bars and pubs in North Dunedin?  

5. Should OUSA adopt a policy for its operations that aligns with the call for "Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions" movement? 

6. Should OUSA accept sponsorship from alcohol companies for OUSA run events and functions? 

7. Should OUSA endorse local election candidates who campaign for policies to support students and improve student outcomes in the upcoming 2025 Local Body Elections? 

8. Should OUSA lead a national campaign to repeal section 261 of the Education and Training Act 2020 to remove the right of voluntary student association membership  

9. Should OUSA lobby the Government to reinstate the student allowance for all postgraduate students (not just postgraduate honours students)?

10. Should OUSA release a detailed annual report summarising OUSA's financial statements to all students who pay student services fees to the University of Otago? 

11. Should OUSA undertake a review of the eligibility criteria for the Hardship Grant to determine if the grant should be more accessible for a wider range of students? 

12. Should OUSA develop and publish a map of the streets within North Dunedin’s student district that are well-lit to show students the best routes to walk around at night? 

13. Should OUSA develop and undertake a safe-drinking campaign? 

14. Should OUSA establish roles on the OUSA Executive for a Disabled Students’ Representative and a Queer Students’ Representative? 

15. Should OUSA establish an elected position for each of the University of Otago's four academic divisions to sit on the OUSA Executive as 5-hour roles for 2026? 

16. Should OUSA establish a 10-hour role on the OUSA Executive for an Information and Transparency Officer to improve communication, access to information, and accountability of OUSA to students? 

17. Should the President's role on the OUSA Executive be extended to a two-year term? (without requirement for a re-election) 

18. Should OUSA lobby the University to include the Tūmuaki of Te Rōpū Māori on University Council? 

19. Should OUSA lobby the University to include a policy on affirmative consent in their Sexual Misconduct Policy? 

20. Should OUSA lobby the University of Otago for mandatory consent and effective bystander training to all student facing staff through Te Whare Tāwharau?