Statement from the Te Tira Ahu Pae Board regarding the removal of a Board Member

First statement, 18 June 2025:

The Te Tira Ahu Pae Board recently became aware of a significant breach of confidential and sensitive information to the media by a fellow member of the Board. On Monday 16th June, the Te Tira Ahu Pae Board has ratified a decision to remove that member from their position on the Board.

The Board takes its obligations and rules of confidentiality seriously, and sought legal advice on this matter. They do not make this decision lightly.

While transparency to the student body is incredibly important, confidentiality exists to protect sensitive information, prevent information misuse, and ensure legal and ethical compliance.

The new Board of 2025 is committed to transparency with the students it represents and will continue to be open with the student body on significant representation decisions, where confidentiality allows. We encourage all students to get involved in decision-making by voting in our Elections, reaching out to your Student Representatives and attending our general meetings, Part 1 Board Meetings and consultations to ensure your voice is heard.

Second statement in response to media inquiries, 14 July 2025:

Te Tira Ahu Pae had strong evidence linking an ex-Student Representative to the leak of confidential information. A digital investigation and analysis of the interactions with the recorded meeting file confirmed beyond a reasonable doubt that this Representative was responsible for the sharing of confidential content.

Te Tira Ahu Pae denies that the decision to terminate the Representative’s contract was undemocratic. We sought legal advice and strictly followed our Dispute Resolution Process, Constitution and contractual obligations. This decision was not made by any one person, but through a collective process that prioritised integrity, confidentiality, and due process. To allow this Representative an opportunity to explain, following the investigation, a non-partial sub-committee met with the Representative. This committee upheld the complaint and went back to the Board with their findings. The Board then ratified the decision to terminate the Representative’s contract. This individual retains their Membership to the association and may run for election again if they wish.  

Te Tira Ahu Pae also denies that the decision to terminate the Representative’s contract was predetermined. There have been no discussions or attempts by the current Board to remove this individual from the Board or to terminate their contract, prior to the investigation of leaked information.  

While viewing the recording is not grounds for termination, the leaking of confidential information is, and this is outlined in our contractual agreements and policies. 

We believe that it is in the best interest of students to uphold our policies on confidentiality, and to hold our Representatives accountable. These rules exist to protect sensitive information, prevent information misuse, ensure legal and ethical compliance, and protect the trust placed in Te Tira Ahu Pae by its members.