A tiny fraction of the Otago Polytechnic Students' Association membership has made a fundamental decision about its future.
Only 55 people voted in a referendum last week asking whether or not OPSA should part ways with the national parent body, the New Zealand Union of Students' Associations.
But their view was decisive - OPSA should withdraw.
OPSA has about 7100 members, many of whom are students studying part time.
OPSA president Meegan Cloughley said this week the referendum turnout was less than 1% of membership.
"It was very low and very disappointing. But our quorum [for decision-making] is 30, so the decision stands."
In July, OPSA gave the NZUSA notice of intention to withdraw providing members agreed. The referendum decision meant OPSA would be withdrawing from July next year, Ms Cloughley said.
Withdrawing will save OPSA about $31,000 annually in levies and meeting attendance costs.
NZUSA co-president David Do could not be reached for comment yesterday.
