Student leaders gather at Lincoln University

Student leaders gather at Lincoln University

Student representatives from Universities, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics around the country are gathering in Christchurch this week for the New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations (NZUSA) third national conference of the year, to be held on the 27-30 August at Lincoln University.

“Effective student engagement and sustaining strong, robust students’ associations forms the basis of a busy agenda, and we’re looking forward to plenty of discussion and actions coming out of the conference,” said Sophia Blair, Co-President of NZUSA.

Notable speakers include the Mayor of Christchurch, Bob Parker, who will be speaking on the role of students in a city and to how to foster positive interactions between students’ associations and City Councils, and a panel of guest speakers from tertiary sector peak bodies who will address the topic of effective student engagement to ensure positive educational outcomes for learners. Panellists include Roger Field, Chair of the New Zealand Vice Chancellors Committee, Dave Guerin, Executive Director of the Institutes of Technology & Polytechnics New Zealand and Maureen Montgomery from the Tertiary Education Union who will join NZUSA and Te Mana Akonga representatives, who will add a student perspective.

A wide range of workshops are also on offer, including the role of NGOs, best-practice governance and management in non-profit organisations, supporting international student networks, optimising class representative systems to effect positive change, challenging Government cuts to the Training Incentive Allowance and issues facing nursing students today.

“We’re looking forward to a really productive and engaging conference in which student leaders will be developing solutions and strategies to address the key issues and concerns facing both students and their representatives in the foreseeable future,” concluded Co-President, Jordan King.

NZUSA is a federation of fifteen students’ associations representing the common and collective interests of tertiary students nationwide. Formed in 1929, NZUSA proudly celebrates its’ 80th anniversary this year as the national representative voice for tertiary students.

ENDS