What is happening?
As part of our commitment to student voice and support services, Te Tira Ahu Pae and Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University are working together to review how student representation is structured and delivered. A working group of student and University representatives have developed two potential new models for our representation structure.
As the next step in this process, we’ve called a Special General Meeting on Wednesday 15th of October, so that we can present the potential models for the new Representation structure and hold a vote for students.
It’s important to vote, as the new structure will inform how your voice is heard, how you are represented, how decisions are made, and how Te Tira Ahu Pae is structured to support you.
What are the two proposed models for representation?
The Representation Restructure Working Group have recommended two potential models for Te Tira Ahu Pae’s representation structure. You can read through the full report, or read through simplified versions of each model below.
Model One: Student Representative Council
This Student Representative Council (SRC) model places the Māori Students’ Association as an independent autonomous body, and restructures remaining representation by refining responsibilities, clarifying hours and reducing direct representatives. Funding covers two Presidents, eight General Representatives, twelve Community reps,
and up to 76 students to participate in additional paid opportunities for student voice across the University.
to allow for the inclusion of a wider pool of student voice in the spaces that inform decision making.
Model Two: Student Executive & Advisory Subcommittee
This model has some similarities from Model One in that it places the Māori Students’ Association as an independent and autonomous body, and it offers the same room for representation at boards, committees, and working groups. Compared to Model One, however, it has 23 non-President Student Representatives, and allows for either two Presidents or up to four Co-Presidents, and follows a different structure.
As well as having student reps split by campus and cohort (e.g. postgrad, distance, Pasifika, international, etc.) this model also splits student reps into two groups - Academic Student Reps, and Engagement Student Reps.
Why make any changes?
One of the main reasons is to find ways to improve the current model. The current constitution is complex and could be simplified. There is a lot expected of representatives, with roles not clearly defined, and too much responsibility in an administrative sense. Not all channels for student voice are being utilised effectively (for example, Massey University board and committees).
The way that students study at Massey University is also evolving. Distance students make up a much higher proportion than before, and also much higher than any other university in Aotearoa. International students are also making up an increasing proportion of the student body. Other key cohorts also feel that their independence and agency has been diminished and needs to be strengthened.
A model that is supported to think across the medium-term would also help increase the sustainability and impact of services delivered by Te Tira Ahu Pae. The current model’s emphasis on 1-year terms and a lack of strategic plans make this difficult.
What will not be changing?
There are three anchors that we will keeping in whichever model is proposed:
For students, by students — Any preferred model must continue to be governed and led by students, while also allowing for external advice and skills to be introduced where needed.
Honouring Te Tiriti — This is hard-coded into the current constitution and will remain.
The tripartite structure — general, Pasifika and Māori stand with equal importance, and any change in model will maintain this spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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This review is about how student representation works at Massey – how your voice is heard, how you are represented, how decisions are made, and how Te Tira Ahu Pae is structured to support you.
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Nope! The focus is on the representation model – not the current team or people. It’s about reviewing the systems and structures that support student voice and leadership.
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Te Tira Ahu Pae has faced a lot of change recently – high staff turnover, pressure on representatives, and unclear processes. This review is a chance to step back, listen, and build a system that’s more stable, sustainable, and inclusive.
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It’s the system for how student representatives are selected, how student voice is collected and communicated, and how decisions are made on your behalf.
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We’ve called a Special General Meeting on Wednesday 15th of October, so that we can present the potential models for the new Representation structure and hold a vote for students.
When: Wednesday 15th of October, 1pm to 2pm
Where: In the Student Lounge of every campus, or online via Microsoft Teams -
The Constitution has with two connected tiers: a Student Executive and a governing Board. The Executive has 31 representatives from across Massey University’s student communities – general, distance, Māori, Pasifika, campus-based, international, and postgraduate.
Rainbow and Disability have 8 representatives and participate actively in the Executive but are not recognised under the Constitution and work under a temporary Terms of Reference with Te Tira Ahu Pae. The Executive have mixed representation requirements but primarily should act as connectors between students and the university.
Eight members are appointed to the Board. This includes the General/Distance President, Manawhakahaere (Māori President), one Vice-President (from a different enrolment type than the General President), two Pasifika reps (currently co-Presidents), and three Kaiwhakahaere from the campuses not held by the Manawhakahaere. The Board members hold governance responsibility, including strategic direction, oversight and compliance; while the Presidents are also required to lead and represent their cohorts.
The Constitution requires The Board must maintain a 50/50 balance of tangata whenua and tangata tiriti members.
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If you’re interested in doing more reading about the current structure and representation model of Te Tira Ahu Pae, the following documents provide helpful background.
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Here’s who’s involved in guiding this review:
Lead Facilitator: Craig Black
Representing Te Tira Ahu Pae: Chiavanni Le'Mon (General President); Caroline Ryan (Pasifika Co-President), Alhanis Jacobsen, Alex Macias, Ana Tupangaia, Atif Baig, Eloise Fleming, Jamey Hodder
Representing Massey University: Janine Dean, Christabelle Marshall
Restructure Timeline
July 2025
Project initiation.
1
July to August
Consultation began with all stakeholders (students, staff).
2
Early September
Consultation closed.
3
September
Review feedback. Develop recommendations of governance and representation models for the Board of Te Tira Ahu Pae to consider.
4
End September
Recommendations available for Special General Meeting for students consideration.
5
15 October
Special General Meeting. Students vote on proposed structures.
6
November and December
Constitution updates and Te Tira Ahu Pae policies, procedures and structural updates.