About-turn on student representation

In a surprise about-turn, Otago Polytechnic Students Association president Meegan Cloughley is no longer fighting for student representation on the Otago Polytechnic council.

Trying to guarantee a seat for a student representative was "a waste of time", she told the polytechnic council on Thursday.

Even if students were allocated a seat, that seat would only be guaranteed for one year, she said.

The reconstitution of councils was "a hostile take-over", by the Government and she was sure the new ministerial appointments "who may be in the minister's pocket" would not want students to be represented and would manoeuvre them out when the one-year transition period was up.

Instead, Ms Cloughley said she and her executive were supporting chief executive Phil Ker's suggestion of representation via a student subcommittee.

Yesterday, she said she had come to her decision because it appeared best for the institution and for students.

"My personal view is that students won't get a seat whatever we do and the fight is over.

By supporting a subcommittee, I am ensuring a long-term voice at the table for students, even if it is not a vote."

Her view had already brought criticism from other student leaders and some polytechnic staff members, she said.

"Maybe I have let students down and this will come back to bite me . . . I have no students to talk to at the moment other than my executive. If students come back and don't want me to pursue this path, I will revisit it."

allison.rudd@odt.co.nz