CANDIDATE & VOTING
HANDBOOK
THE UCSA STUDENT EXECUTIVE The Executive is made up of 12 elected students, and is the governing body of the University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA). The core function of the Executive governance role is to monitor performance, give direction, and to bring management to account - essentially to ensure that the UCSA is operating for students. There are 12 positions on the UCSA Student Executive:
PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT
finance officer post-graduate rep
equity & well-being rep
SEVEN GENERAL EXEC
WHAT IS THE USCA? The University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA) is a non-profit organisation that exists to help all students succeed and belong at UC. The UCSA have been here for UC students since 1894! You do not have to pay a membership fee to join:
If you are a current UC student, you are a member of the UCSA!* The UCSA employs over 100 staff, who deliver a diverse range of services to students. These include advocacy and welfare, subsidised dental and optometry, early learning centres, club support, events (Orientation, Winterlude, Tea Party etc), media, and even a range of campus cafes & bars such as The Foundry. *unless you opt out of membership.
CANDIDATES FOR THE 2018 UCSA STUDENT EXEC Candidate photos and blurbs are listed according to the highest position they are running for, and then alphabetically by surname.
PRESIDENT CANDIDATES Hugh Baird Raymond Ellwood Joshua Proctor
pg 4 pg 6 pg 8
VICE-PRESIDENT CANDIDATES Lauren Dennehy Laura Robinson
pg 10 pg 11
also running : Raymond Ellwood
FINANCE OFFICER CANDIDATES Samuel Brosnahan Shirana Rengasamy
pg12 pg13
EQUITY & WELL-BEING rep CANDIDATES Devanshi Gandhi pg14 Laura O’Dwyer pg14 Victoria-Rose Tucker pg 15
also running : Raymond Ellwood
Post-Graduate rep CANDIDATES Emma McCone Gabrielle Watson
pg 16 pg 16
General Executive CANDIDATES Harry Beaumont Jacob Butson Liam Donnelly Shanelle Dyer Shayne Goldingham Billy Hansen Alex Holmes Jordan Mills Julia Rolleston Liam Stretch Jackson White
pg 17 pg 17 pg 18 pg 18 pg 19 pg 19 pg 20 pg 20 pg 21 pg 21 pg 22
also running : Raymond Ellwood, Devanshi Gandhi, Victoria-Rose Tucker Laura O’Dwyer
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PRESIDENT CANDIDATE
HUGH BAIRD
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My name is Hugh Baird. Over the last 4 and a half years I have spent here at UC, I have learnt and grown a lot. I have completed an engineering degree, scoffed my fair share of $2 rice, and more importantly, developed a strong sense of belonging within this place. UC is well and truly my home. It’s a community I’m passionate about, and one a that I believe has the potential to be even better. Because of this, I would like to be your UCSA President in 2018. I’m driven, determined and excited for the opportunity to represent you and the student body.
I’ve teamed up with Lauren Dennehy (Vice-President) and Shirana Rengasamy (Finance) to bring you the best representation possible. I strongly believe that we are a dynamic team who have diverse experience in being involved and leading in a wide range of areas of student culture. We have all found our footing in leadership and representation through clubs, teams and other pursuits. We are committed to leading this organisation with the best interests of the student population at heart and with the passion and creativity required to bring the great range of services the organisation currently offers to you, while also dealing with the challenges we face going forward with a fresh perspective. The UCSA’s mission is built around success and belonging. These are two values that I would like to see realised in more ways every day. I want to see more creative initiatives that help students really feel the value the UCSA brings. That might be simple things like the free fruit drops at study time, or the discounts to services available off campus. You all pay a hefty student levy, all I want is for you to see and feel it provide for you. With this, I want to see the UCSA’s services and resources reach more people, go further and to have a greater impact on the whole student body. A big part of this will be through developing and growing the UCSA’s advocacy and welfare systems. By making students more aware of what is available and by making it even simpler to access, more of us can be better off.
In addition to this, I strongly feel the objective of a student led executive is to ensure that the association always puts the student’s best interests first. As a fresh and noncomplacent voice, I will strive to ensure that the UCSA’s motivations are always true and best. The UCSA faces a lot of Challenges in the future. Leading this organisation through some very tough decisions will be no small feat. The student population deserves a leader who is committed, driven and determined to do the best and right thing for students. I have huge amount of passion for all the amazing things that go on here, and have a desire to protect students interests against all adversities. I want to see this place continue to be the best campus with the best university experience in New Zealand. When you do go to vote, take the time to weigh up your options. I encourage you to select an executive that you think will best fight for you, work for you, and give the roles the care and duty they deserve. With that in mind: VOTE BAIRD // DENNEHY // RENGASAMY
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RAYMOND ELLWOOD
PRESIDENT CANDIDATE
Vote Raymond Ellwood for UCSA President. It is time to do more and be more daring for every student and club at UC. Represent every student in meetings with the UC community. Include every student in plans that improve and present the UC experience. Be more representative of every student, club and society at UC. Create positive change for every student.
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• Endeavour to provide a safe environment for students – light up Ilam Fields, especially on Thursday nights; bring about more self-defence classes for each term of the academic year. • Endeavour to bring about driving lessons to the campus for every student; in addition, attempt to reduce the associated costs of learning how to drive for every student. • Look for more investors for clubs and societies. Seek feedback from Clubs on a frequent basis and listen to that feedback. Give every Club and Society a fair go. Be ambitious. • Reduce the cost of advertising for special events of a Club and Society; secondly, make the formalities and processes around Grants and Room Bookings clear and easy; thirdly, get more involved with the Clubs and Societies and assist with events and their overall vision. The Clubs and the Societies in UC deserve a hand up and a new fair deal from the UCSA. • Support and present every diverse group in UC; bring about more cultural events to the campus on a more regular basis. Let us set up chess tables on the concourse. Let us play foosball, table tennis and billiards in the undercroft. Let us bring Back Yard Cricket and Touch Rugby tournaments to the lecture theatre lawns in the lunchbreak. Let us sample the food and the theatre of the Indian Club, the Spanish Club, the Iranian Club, the Malaysian and the Pacific Island Clubs from the Te Ao Marama building to the Matariki building every month. Let us share and experience other ideas and practices. Let us meet and know every student and club better. Be different. • Support and continue more Club and UCSA events such as Diversity Week and Wāhine in Law Week every year.
• Create more activities and spaces for Adult students, Postgraduate students and International students. • Guide the completion of Haere-roa building, the new student association. Endeavour to bring about more services such as laundry and dry cleaning services, timeout spaces, barbershop services to the campus. • Return the Law Library to the Business and Law building, the Jeremy Finn Law Library. •
Promote academic freedom. Be more vocal. Stand up. Speak out.
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Be available to listen to every student.
• Create and implement the UCSA President’s Give Back Pledge to prospective students and to the wider community – by donating a fraction of their own salary to special causes, charities, projects and study or tuition grants. •
Engage with topics such as bullying, abuse, depression and suicide.
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Make all lines of communication with every party clear and accessible.
• The promise is to always know the issues; be relevant; be an advocate for students; communicate and connect with students. • Be present. Be visible. Be inclusive. Be creative. Be geared up to change the game. Listen and connect with every student. Invest in students and in Clubs and Societies. Get more value. All fired up and ready to go. Lead. Raymond Ellwood holds a Bachelor’s degree in Media and English Studies and is currently studying towards a degree in Legal Studies. Raymond Ellwood serves as a Class Rep and as a Committee Member on the Equity and Wellbeing Advisory Group (EWAG) at UC. Raymond Ellwood is determined and passionate about creating positive change for every student at UC. Vote Raymond Ellwood for UCSA President. Change the game. It’s time. Talk to me – Email: tel35@uclive.ac.nz; Facebook Page: UCREllwood; Twitter Page: MootFirstNZ; Instagram Page: UC_Ellwood. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn too. Thank you. Raymond Ellwood.
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JOSHUA PROCTOR THIS IS 2018... Kia ora, I’m Josh Proctor, I’m passionate about helping students and have worked hard this year as Finance Officer of the UCSA to achieve this. I’m currently a fourthyear Commerce student. Here’s a little bit about me and our campaign - THIS IS 2018.
PRESIDENT CANDIDATE
For more info head to thisis2018.org
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Why I am running? 2018 isn’t just your stock standard year for the UCSA. In a 123 year old association the implications of current decisions certainly rank up there as some of the most significant in our history. Namely the new UCSA building, Haere-roa. However, this building is still 18 months away and we certainly aren’t ‘out of the woods just yet’. Next year a major focus will remain on ensuring the UCSA fundraising campaign stays on track to enable your students’ association to have control over its future. While scary, the implications of a poor fundraising campaign has the potential to affect students for generations to come. This campaign will conclude at the end of 2018. I believe with my work on the fundraising committee this year I’ll be able to continue the momentum needed to get this over the line. While the opportunity to leave UC and enter the workforce in a graduate role was offered to me I still feel a sense that there is a lot more I could offer to uni. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the uni so far and want to ensure that each student feels they belong and feel accepted on our diverse campus. Our Vision Laura, Sam and I truly believe in a future where everyone is proud and confident in who they are, who the UCSA is and their special place within UC as a whole. This is what that vision looks like to this: 1. This Is Us - Kotahitanga We’re a team unified, with a common goal to bring a more fulfilling experience for all. We stand in solidarity as a team and work tirelessly together to make UC a campus everyone is proud to be a part of.
2. This Is the UCSA - Manaakitanga The UCSA stands for success and belonging- an organisation that provides relevant services to meet student needs. We aim to continue to ensure all our services are relevant and well communicated to you so you’re aware of what we can do for you. 3. This Is UC - Ūkaipōtanga We truly believe we have a beautiful, unique campus culture that should be celebrated. We aim to advocate for all students, to help make them feel included, represented and welcomed on campus. What we’re standing for? I am running as part of a team with Laura Robinson (VP) and Sam Brosnahan (Finance Officer). We’re a passionate bunch ready to absolutely rip into next year, and all it has to offer. We’ve all been on the executive this year in some capacity which gives us the experience needed for next year. We’re all running because we’ve enjoyed this year and see the value of the UCSA for all students. After a year serving in the Finance Officer role, I’ve had the chance to see what’s possible to achieve - I can say hand on heart I believe what we’re proposing is 100% achievable and going to be effective. We’re not going to sit back and wait for the action to just happen. We’ve got some awesome ideas that we think will add value to what the UCSA current does. Here’s some insight to what they look like. • Creative Fund Have you ever had a burning idea that would make campus even more epic? A bouncy castle on C-Block lawn? Or a free Red Bull dispenser for everyone? Here’s your chance. We’re wanting to implement a fund whereby you can apply to the exec with your awesome idea and we’ll provide the financial backing you need. As much as we’d love to promise you a spaceship to the Moon, we’ve got to be reasonable. Let’s work together to make our campus the most exciting, vibrant campus in Aotearoa! • International representative As the number of international students increase on campus we believe it’s super important to have a dedicated position on the exec. We’ll be focusing on opening a specific International portfolio, that students can specifically run for. • Student survival Yo, we get it- $175 a week from the government just doesn’t cut the mustard. This year, UCSA has focused on helping students with freebies where we can e.g. free BBQs, fruit drops, more giveaways, flat packs. If you’re someone that would like to see everyone encouraged and celebrated, then we’d love you to vote PROCTOR // ROBINSON // BROSNAHAN thisis2018.org
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LAUREN DENNEHY
VICE-PRESIDENT CANDIDATE
Hey Mates! Excited to announce that I’m in the running to be Vice President of the UCSA. I am in my third year of University and I have plenty of passion to give to this role. I study a bachelor of laws and a bachelor of criminal justice so I have a bit of diversity going on (haha). I’m not one for politics but I really do just care about this University, the students, and the opportunities that can be provided.
At the end of the day, I love a bit of admin – I’ve recently deleted my Facebook account and now solely rely on my email address and Linkedin profile. Kidding, but I really am an organised person who isn’t afraid to pick up any job at the end of the day and make sure that it gets done. I’d like to think that I’m approachable and I love meeting new people. I get really fizzed when I hear about cool and innovating things that goes on at Canterbury. Our University is our own little community and I’m really about trying to bridge as many gaps and form as many connections as possible between various groups on campus. While our campus is being built, so are the foundations of our collective and it’s important to create and be a part of something for the future. With our active club scene, there are so many wicked things happening in our own backyard; and providing a forum for these to reach a larger scale or at least more people is something that I would love to see. A position on the UCSA exec is special because it’s one of the few chances that you get to actually make a positive difference on the place that has been your home for a good portion of your adult life so far. I would love to make our campus a place where students aren’t afraid to introduce themselves at the library or get involved in cool experiences that they’ll be able to look back on in the future. The University of Canterbury already has such a unique vibe and I would feel privileged to get to be a part of it. VOTE BAIRD // DENNEHY // RENGASAMY.
RAYMOND ELLWOOD is also running for Vice-President : see blurb page 6
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VICE-PRESIDENT CANDIDATE
LAURa ROBINS0N THIS IS 2018 … Kia ora, I am running for your vote as VP of the UCSA, alongside Josh Proctor and Sam Brosnahan. We are all current members of the executive and believe through our proven leadership we can ensure continuity off the bat for the year ahead. I am an ex-uni-haller from the mighty town of Timaru. Three things I love about UC are all the opportunities available, the unique club scene and of course the eng chips. I have been actively involved in clubs throughout all my time at UC, but have also enjoyed a bit of rugby and the odd Mono night.
Why I am running The club scene is what led me into running for the UCSA last year. I loved helping organising events but also wanted to put time into seeing improvement in general student life on and off campus. As a strong opportunist I put my fear aside and thought why not. And now here I am, lucky enough to have gotten your vote and over half way through what has been a busy but rewarding year.
I have had the opportunity throughout the year so far to work on different projects including self-defence classes, small campus enhancements, flatting security, diversity week, small club mentoring and my latest project building a flat improvement portfolio for 2018. I am passionate about seeing these and more projects follow through next year. I also ran on the policy last year of increasing library hours around exam times, which is currently sitting in the hands of the library committee that I sit on and something I want to see through as long as I can. Working towards this policy this year has taught me that policy implementation can be hard because of the channels they have to go through. I believe this is a real strength for our team as our experience on the executive this year has given us knowledge and understanding of the processes that we need to go through in order to implement our policies. Josh, Sam and I believe in a future where everyone is proud and confident in who they are, who the UCSA is and their special place within UC as a whole. That vision to us looks like: 1. This is Us – Kotahitanga 2. This is the UCSA – Manaakitanga 3. This is UC – Ukaipotanga PROCTOR // ROBINSON // BROSNAHAN thisis2018.org 11
SAMUEL BROSNAHAN
FINANCE officer CANDIDATE
Ni hao, kia ora kou tou, malololelei, gidday and hello. I’m Sam Brosnahan and I’m humbly after your sweet vote in another UCSA election. You may be wondering why your current Equity & Wellbeing Rep is gunning for Finance Officer.
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The UCSA faces challenging times ahead if its dollars aren’t managed to a tee. We have $4m left to fundraise for your new $28m UCSA building Haere-roa and we as collective UC students need to leave a tip top legacy for the decades of students to come - not one up to its knees in debt. Being on the exec this year as your Equity & Wellbeing Rep - it’s been an honour serving you through initiatives like fruit drops, flatpacks and Diversity Fest. I’m real passionate about looking after students and celebrating everyone on campus. I’ll do everything I can to bring the same to the Finance roll. I study commerce, work part-time at ANZ Bank and have a start-up going strong on the side - being business smart isn’t a new thing to me. I’m running with Josh Proctor (Pres) and Laura Robinson (VP) and it’d be a pleasure to serve as your finance guru in 2018. Our Vision Josh, Laura and I truly believe in a future where everyone is proud and confident in who they are, who the UCSA is and their special place within UC as a whole. This is what that vision looks like to this: 1. This Is Us - (Kotahitanga) We’re a team unified, with a common goal to bring a more fulfilling experience for all. We stand in solidarity as a team and work tirelessly together to make UC a campus everyone is proud to be a part of. 2.
This Is the UCSA (Manaakitanga)
The UCSA stands for success and belonging- an organisation that provides relevant services to meet student needs. We aim to continue to ensure all of our services are relevant and well communicated to you so you’re aware of what we can do for you. 3. This Is UC - (Ūkaipōtanga) We truly believe we have a beautiful, unique campus culture that should be celebrated. We aim to advocate for all students, to help make them feel included, represented and welcomed on campus. If you’re someone that would like to see everyone encouraged and celebrated then we’d love you to vote: PROCTOR // ROBINSON // BROSNAHAN thisis2018.org
FINANCE officer CANDIDATE
SHIRANA RENGASAMY Hey, my name is Shirana and I am running for the role of Finance Officer. Much like a drunk girl needing multiple friends to accompany her to the bathroom at the Foundry on a Thursday night, I need a couple of mates to help me out with this one. I’m pleased as punch that Hugh Baird (President) and Lauren Dennehy (Vice President) will be my co-conspirators. We are a passionate and dedicated team wanting to represent you.
I came to Christchurch 4 years ago, young, fresh, and ready for anything. While slightly older and maybe a little less fresh I’m still up for anything and keen to take on the challenge of UCSA finance officer for 2018. I have been involved with the Student Volunteer Army since I came to University, and have been a member of the SVA executive for the last two years. It’s safe to say I’ve learnt a bit about how the organisation runs, and the ins and outs of what it takes to keep it running smoothly. Studying finance gives me a great set of skills to tackle the role of finance officer. I would like to keep the UCSA’s finances in tip top order making sure that the money is benefiting YOU the student. A goal of mine would be to communicate better with students and keep things transparent so that you know where your money is going. I would like to work on initiatives that benefit all students. I am passionate about student life and believe University is so much more than just the degree. I have had an awesome 4 years at UC and want to make sure every student is included and feels a part of the UC community. Being on the UCSA would allow me to advocate for your needs. I will leave you with a fun fact: Polar bears can eat as many as 86 penguins in a single sitting. Vote BAIRD // DENNEHY // RENGASAMY
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EQUITY & WELL BEING rep CANDIDATEs
DEVANSHI GANDHI
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Hey, my name is Devanshi Gandhi. Before you jump to any conclusions I’ll tell you straight up that unfortunately I am not related to Mahatma Gandhi, as much as I would love to claim that I am. Here at UC I am currently studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce double majoring in Management and Marketing, soon to be running for Equity & Wellbeing Rep for 2018.
I am passionate about culture, diversity and technology. This year I created the ‘hottest’ new club on campus called Curry Soc and in my spare time I love a good game of basketball! Who said short people can’t play? I can’t wait to help out fellow UC students and make your time the best time here at UC!
LAURA O’DWYER Hey, I’m Laura O’Dwyer and I’m running for the UCSA Equity & Wellbeing Officer 2018. Alongside jumping into my fourth year studying Law and Criminal Justice, I’m super keen to get more involved in making a positive difference for students at UC. As a member of the Equity and Wellbeing Advisory Group (EWAG) this year, I’ve been given amazing exposure to the progression of our campus. There are however issues affecting us that need to change. As a team with Julia Rolleston, who is running for the General Executive, the goal is to make UC happier, healthier and safer. To move towards this, we are going to be asking, ‘are you ok?’ Is your mental health ok? Is your social environment ok? Is your physical safety ok? We want to improve campus safety on a wider scale; whether that is after your 4am finish for the “don’t do the night before” essay or that walk home after a bit of mono wining and dining. A bit deeper than your typical canta banter but at the end of the day we care about you guys, so we want a smile on your dial. Vote O’Dwyer Rolleston // Happier Healthier Safer
EQUITY & WELL BEING rep CANDIDATEs
VICTORIA-ROSE TUCKER Hello! I’m Victoria, a 3rd year psyc student, past R & R girl, a gym junkie and the current $85k StartUp Challenge Manager for entré. I am running for your UCSA Equity and Wellbeing Representative for 2018 alongside Jordy. Whilst studying, it can be so easy to get caught up in the hustle of trying to get good grades, gain CVworthy experience, and maintain your social life. As students we often forget to stop and smell the roses, enjoy the little things, and look after ourselves. Jordy and I believe that our student wellbeing should be priority! We want to help you BE well so that you can DO well at uni and make the most of your uni experience! So in 2018 we want to focus on: 1. Mental Health: providing resources, events and activities that support and maintain your health and happiness everyday so that you can just do you. 2. Flatting Life: Helping you take care of the basics like heating, security and everyday flat life. 3. Diversity Fest: This year’s was awesome – we want to grow this in 2018! August 16, Vote TORI and JORDY!
RAYMOND ELLWOOD is also running for Equity & Well-being Rep: see blurb page 6
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EMMA MCCONE
POST GRADUATE rep CANDIDATEs
Hi all! I’m Emma, I’m a 4th year student, currently soldiering through a Master’s of Science in Geography. I’ll be working on a thesis next year (woohoo, own research, no pressure!), and hoping to shake up the UCSA to get everyone thinking about the all of the diverse students!
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I’m running for postgraduate representative and campaigning with Alex Holmes (gen exec) to make 2018 a great year for the students. We’re running on the basis of three core values; Innovate, Engage, Include. For us, these sum up our approach to the USCA and encompass the projects we’d like to run during the year. My interests and ideals that inspire me are central to; co-operation and care, close communities and environmental sustainability. These are things that are important to me and will drive my involvement in the UCSA. As a postgraduate student, I believe I know the issues and people that are affected by them at UC. I want to represent all of the diverse postgraduates in a way you would all be proud of. Postgrads are a significant part of the UC community and I want to make their voices heard and demand action for them.
GABRIELLE WATSON I’m Gabby an international PhD student hailing from the British Isles who has been the UC PGSA’s Advocacy Officer for the last year. Sitting in meetings trying to highlight postgrad issues has kind of become a thing for me, from sitting on the postgraduate committee, to helping with events for Diversity fest and being a speaker at this year’s South Island Tertiary Forum. Before joining the PGSA exec I was a residential assistant at Graduate House; helping new international students to settle in and navigate the large and often oddly confusing university system. I am pretty stubborn when faced with a challenge and what better challenge than trying to get UC to do more for postgraduate students? From tutor pay to printing credit, from suspensions to stipends, I have been there, done that and would have got the t-shirt had the merchandise in the university bookshop been a little more affordable. I’m not blind to the fact that this campus can be a cold and sometimes frightening place, and I just hope that I can try and make it a little more enjoyable and safe for postgraduate students. Getting a better deal for postgrads? Elementary, my dear Watson.
HARRY BEAUMONT
GENERAL EXECUTIVE CANDIDATEs
I’m Harry Beaumont, and I’m running with Jackson White for re-election into the UCSA General Executive. I’m in my third year studying Law and a BA in Pols and Classics, and love biking, skiing and freediving. I have been the Law Officer for the UCSA this year, allowing me to represent Law and Criminal Justice students within UC, and have also sat on the Transport Board alongside Jackson. This year we’ve been involved in a number of projects, including bike locks and lights (which are due to arrive soon), solar panels on Montana ELC, skateboard workshops, and making UC Fairtrade certified, among others. Our campaign this year is all about Sustainability. Our policies fit under either transport or student voice, and are committed to making the UCSA more environmentally conscious. Transport means bringing in fenders and backpack covers, which alongside lights and locks should allow students to bike to campus more safely and comfortably. We also want the UCSA to replace some of its vehicle fleet with electric vehicles, which would be far more cost effective for the way they are used. Student voice means ensuring the UCSA is more vocal on important environmental issues. Beaumont-White, for your sustainable UCSA.
JACOB BUTSON Whether I’m engaging in debates about how society functions, or having some casual banter about political philosophy, I will always have a passion for the arts. I am currently a second year Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Political Science/International Relations and Sociology. This course of study inspires me to be a leader for everyone at U.C
I want to be elected as a General Executive in the UCSA as I will be able to represent the wider student community through strong leadership, and through experience as an Arts Student. I am currently the Vice President of the UC Arts society, I have organized and assisted in managing events, such as our headline event of the year, Kahoot and Kocktails. My experience through my role as Vice President has given me interchangeable skills that I will use to function as an effective General Executive, and to be a strong voice for the student community at U.C. If you’re keen to have a chat about my policies or to get to know me a bit better as a candidate, drop by the UC Arts Office in Locke101. 17
LIAM DONNELLY
GENERAL EXECUTIVE CANDIDATEs
G’Day I’m Liam I’m a third-year BA student, studying Political Science and Media and Communications, and I’m running to be on the UCSA General Exec for 2018. Currently I’m a member of the UCPOLS Exec team, a member of multiple other clubs, and a regular attendee of many of UC’s events.
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However I’m not just running for General Exec alone, I’m running alongside another guy also called Liam, Liam Stretch. Together we believe that our variety of experiences help to bring a fresh mind to the Exec, as we’ve had many of the same experiences (great and crap) that other students have also had. When it comes to our policies, our priority is to bring to the table the problems and solutions that are brought forward to us, because we ultimately want to be fair representations for the students on campus. However, right at the top of that priorities list also is a continued crusade against expensive food (because this fight ain’t over), pushing for a more transparent and honest UCSA, and providing cheap/free solutions to keep warm. Particularly over the winter months at home, because it seems like a lot of students are constantly freezing during winter!
SHANELLE DYER Hey everyone, I’m Shanelle and I am currently completing an MSc in Geography. I’ve been at UC quite a few years now, studied under 5 departments, sat on club execs, tutored courses, and been a class rep more times than I can remember. This experience has allowed me to gain a huge understanding of student wants and needs. I’m running for general exec because I want to see: More support for ALL students: Increased mental and wellbeing services. Improved tutoring, class rep roles, and mentoring. Ensuring student issues are heard and acted on across UC. Exam coffee and tea. Laptop / phone chargers. More space to socialise and study: Making UC a place you want to be by creating spaces to chill, eat, party, or revise. More open hours. Bigger and more varied events. And something… anything... about the parking problem! More specials: $2 rice is a massive hit, but we can do better. Expanding on $2 meals. Discounts inside and outside campus (e.g. supermarket, bus passes, and events). Your time here is meant to be fun and exciting (educational should probably be in there too!). Vote for me to help create a better UC. You deserve it!
SHAYNE GOLDINGHAM Hi, my name is Shayne, and I am running for General Exec.
GENERAL EXECUTIVE CANDIDATEs
Key personality attributes of mine include: health and safety in the workplace, ethical decision making, unethical decision making, thinking, and Microsoft Office.
By the end of my tenure I would like to see: more seating in communal areas, the desks in E14 to be moved two inches closer, and increased use of the imperial system. Connect with me on LinkedIn to see more policy. Visit www.linkedin.com and enter this week’s keyword: SHAYNE
BILLY HANSEN “Hi everyone, my name’s Billy Hansen, I’m running for a General Exec position on the UCSA and am running in partnership with Devanshi Gandhi for 2018. I’m originally from Christchurch and am currently studying Law in my second year. When I’m not studying I enjoy a cold Wakachangi or Speights with mates, preferably with rugby and or racing playing in the background, playing golf or spending time with family. My main goals on the UCSA will be advocating for a more efficient process for clubs in the grants process, and helping new clubs starting out. I have been involved in the new club ‘CurrySoc’, on campus, which has been a great experience and has encouraged me to pursue this policy. Overall, I think a position on the UCSA is a great chance to engage with as many students as possible on campus to help improve the already brilliant” “student culture here at Canterbury.”
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ALEX HOLMES I’m Alex Holmes and I’m currently in my 3rd year of a BCom in Marketing and Finance. I have just returned from a semester abroad in Austria and am ready to put my energy into continuing the success of the USCA. I am charging forward as a General Executive candidate.
GENERAL EXECUTIVE CANDIDATEs
Together with Emma McCone, we make up “McCone Holmes”. Our core values are Innovate, Engage and Include. Innovation of the developing campus, &
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especially the new UCSA building fit out and use is important for current and future student needs. Engaging the wider student body with a focus on the international students is my focus. We want international students connected through a buddy program & more engagement from domestic students. Inclusion is something vital for the student experience, continuing diversity awareness and action. Through my involvement in R&R Executive, BYCSOC and my volunteering work experience with children in the USA and Asia, I have gained a passion of working with a range of people, adventure and helping others. I am excited for the opportunity to make a difference to UC and to represent you and our campus.
JORDAN MILLS Hey! I’m Jordan and I’m running for UCSA General Executive for 2018 alongside Tori! I’m in my second year of a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance while enjoying sport, work and volunteering. Through being a UC employee, good relationships with staff and other volunteer opportunities around campus I have learned that good representation is to be available to listen, wise and considerate in decision-making and intentional in action. These skills enable strong leadership and will represent you well no matter who you are. I’m passionate about student life and ensuring that university is a full and healthy lifestyle! To do this I will focus on three key areas: 1. Mental Health BE Well, DO Well! Whilst we think providing counselling is super important we are dedicated to finding ways to help you be happy and well everyday! 2. Flatting - Home is where the heart is, let us help you truly make your flat home! If elected, we will endeavour to assist in providing better solutions for heating, security, and everyday flat life. 3. Diversity Fest Taking the incredible 2017 Diversity Fest this year and building on it in 2018!
JULIA ROLLESTON Hi, I’m Julia Rolleston and I’m running to be on the General Exec for 2018. I’ve been heavily involved in the culture of UC over my three years here and I want to increase my involvement further next year and make a positive change on the UCSA.
GENERAL EXECUTIVE CANDIDATEs
Primarily, I’ve decided to run for this position because I can see the need for a happier, healthier and safer campus. Laura O’Dwyer (Equity and Wellbeing) and I are going to be asking, “are you ok?” Is your mental health ok? Is your social environment ok? Is your physical safety ok? Some of my favourite past times include Foundry Thursdays, Foundry Fridays and the Foundry on a Saturday. One prominent issue around the Foundry and late night study on campus is the safety of students getting home. Next year, we would like to increase safety by getting a ‘student uber’ system running to provide a safe way home. Along with safety, we want to improve mental health and cultural inclusivity. In these three things we will work towards making our campus and those on it happier, healthier and safer. Vote O’Dwyer Rolleston // Happier Healthier Safer
LiaM STRETCH Hi, I’m Liam Stretch, and I am in my third year of a BA in Political Science and Media and Communications with intentions to take honours in political science in 2018. I’m an average student with a sub-par wit, drier than a North Canterbury farm in January. If you want to vote for me, here’s why… I am on the UCPOLS executive, and I’m secretary for 2017. I have had involvement in the youth sector as I was an executive committee member on the Christchurch Youth Council for 3 years. I’ll be running alongside Liam Donnelly, a pillar of honesty and integrity. We brought Lou and Andy, and Kath and Kim to Tea Party (albeit a more inebriated version of them ... Kath loves a Ngahere). We aim to represent YOU the students well and listen to your concerns. Our policies: Although a food policy is a cop out, it does matter. I do not want to buy St Pierre’s franchise when I just want a rice ball. We also want transparency, you should know what goes on in the UCSA as you’re all paying members. Students get cold, we want to offer free and cheap/free ways to keep warm. 21
JACKSON WHITE
GENERAL EXECUTIVE CANDIDATEs
I’m Jackson White, and I’m running with Harry Beaumont for re-election into the UCSA General Executive. I’m a third year student studying Natural Resource Engineering, and am all about climbing, skiing and riding horses. I have represented Engineering students on a variety of boards and committees, and have also sat on the Transport Board alongside Harry. This year we’ve been involved in a number of projects, including bike locks and lights (which despite shipping complications are arriving
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soon), solar panels on Montana ELC, skateboard workshops, and making UC Fairtrade certified, among others. Our campaign this year is all about Sustainability. Our policies fit under either transport or student voice, and all are committed to making the UCSA and the student body more environmentally conscious. Transport means bringing in fenders, backpack covers and trouser clips, which alongside lights and locks should allow students to bike to campus more safely and comfortably. We also want the UCSA to replace some of its vehicle fleet with electric vehicles, which would be far more cost effective for the way they are used. Student voice means ensuring the UCSA is more vocal, both locally and nationally, about important environmental issues. Beaumont-White, for your sustainable UCSA.
The following candidates are also running for General Executive :
RAYMOND ELLWOOD, see page 6 DEVANSHI GANDHI, see page 14 LAURA O’DWYER, see page 14 VICTORIA-ROSE TUCKER, see page 15
FIND OUT HOW TO VOTE ON THE BACK COVER ucsa.org.nz/Elections
VOTING DATES: Wednesday 16th August
Thursday 17th August
Friday 18th August
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HOW TO VOTE Every student gets
12 VOTES You get ONE vote for each of the ‘top three’ on the Exec:
ONE VOTE for PRESIDENT ONE VOTE for VICE-PRESIDENT ONE VOTE for FINANCE OFFICER You also get one vote for the two rep roles:
ONE VOTE for POST-GRADUATE REP ONE VOTE for EQUITY & WELL-BEING REP And that leaves you with:
SEVEN VOTES for GENERAL EXECUTIVE ALL VOTING IS DONE ONLINE YOU WILL BE SENT A LINK TO YOUR VOTING FORM VIA YOUR
STUDENT EMAIL
NOTE: Every enrolled UC student is eligible to vote in the UCSA elections. Even if you have opted out of UCSA membership.