Procedural Clarification on the Proposed Motion by a Student at our SGM

On the 15th of October 2025, Te Tira Ahu Pae held a Special General Meeting (SGM) to deliberate on the proposed Representation Restructure and associated governance models presented to the student body. Following the discussion and vote, Model One was confirmed as the preferred representation structure for adoption. 

Before concluding the SGM, we opened the floor for any general business or questions for Te Tira Ahu Pae.  

A student in attendance requested to put forward a motion "that Te Tira Ahu Pae be committed to holding a referendum of the Massey student body, asking clearly whether students would prefer all student representative positions be elected or appointed. This referendum would be hosted in Semester One of 2026 and shall not be presented with any bias towards either methods." 

In accordance with the Te Tira Ahu Pae Constitution (2022) specifically Rules 3.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.6, and 10.7, the proposed motion was declined on procedural grounds. 

Under these provisions, all motions must be submitted in advance and formally notified to all members (students) at least 14 clear days prior to a General Meeting. While at Annual General Meetings (AGMs) students may raise any motions for discussion, SGMs are called for specific pieces of business, where only motions advertised in advanced by the Board as matters of business can be discussed. 

This process exists for transparency, fairness, and equal opportunity for participation. By only allowing business of the day to be discussed at the SGM, this ensures that students are aware of exactly what is to be discussed at these meetings, as this informs their decision on whether to attend or not. If a motion is raised that is outside of the scope of business that has been notified to students, it prevents students from actively participating in these discussions, which they may have otherwise had an interest in, had they received notice.    

While the proposed motion could not proceed at this SGM, Te Tira Ahu Pae welcomes future proposals that comply with these constitutional requirements and may be presented ahead of the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM). 

While our current model is structured so that Presidents and Vice-Presidents are appointed rather than elected, Model One will see this change, with the General President undergoing a pre-screening process and interview before all suitable candidates are presented for wider student elections. The eight General Representative roles will also be elected.   

Te Tira Ahu Pae remains committed to upholding constitutional integrity, strengthening student voice, and ensuring that all changes reflect the values of equity, inclusion, and accountability across all campuses and student communities.