The University of Otago Students' Association has grown too cosy with the university, leaving students without a voice and ending the association's long history of radical political action, some critics say.
The Otago University Students' Association celebrated its 124th birthday in style yesterday with president Ruby Sycamore-Smith blowing out the candles on a massive cake.
The Government's decision to shrink university councils and get rid of mandatory staff, student and union membership has been slammed as a ''power grab'' and ''an attack on democracy''.
Faster internet and fair student support are two key issues for students, writes Ruby Sycamore-Smith, the 2014 president of the Otago University Students' Association.
Signal construction manager David Driver stands in the Otago University Students' Association (OUSA) Recreation Centre, formerly known as the Clubs and Societies building, which is being renovated as part of a $2 million upgrade.
The Otago University Students' Association president has promised to fight to make student rights an election issue if chosen as president of the national students' association.
The Otago University Students Association had previously withdrawn from any involvement with a Dunedin dance concert held last week, during which about a dozen intoxicated people were treated by St John, officials said.
Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce yesterday announced plans to cut the maximum size of university and wananga governing councils from 20 members to 12.
The University of Otago is refusing to respond to reports it used ''strong-arm'' tactics to prevent the Otago University Students' Association buying a bar, while the students' association is rubbishing the claim.
Students will vote for a new Otago University Students' Association president next week and the result could lead to a stronger push for a student-run bar.
The Otago University Students' Association plans to employ a full-time ''queer support co-ordinator'' and set aside funding for a ''refined'' Hyde St keg party next year.