OPSA - Student Election Result

Otago Polytechnic Students' Association, PO Box 5381, Dunedin, tel/fax 477-6974

Media Release

Embargoed midnight Thursday 23 October 2003

attn: Education Reporters

Student Election Result

The Otago Polytechnic Students' Association election for the positions of PRESIDENT and VICE-PRESIDENT 2004 has been declared today. Over 230 votes were cast, the results are:

PRESIDENT 2004
Rachel Dibble 106
Matt Dowling 103
No Confidence 6

VICE-PRESIDENT 2004
Virgina Heta 179
No Confidence 28

Returning Officer, Lesley Scoullar, noted it was the closest result ever in an OPSA election, and that she was pleased with the 35% increase in voter turnout.

Both Rachel and Virgina are Te Ao Maori diploma students, and Matt is a Nursing student at the Polytechnic.

Rachel is also an IHC support worker, a trained teacher and has lived in Asia. Rachel stood on a platform of being accessible and supporting students to achieve their visions and ambitions. Virgina was a full-time mother until starting Polytechnic and strongly believes in fighting for good quality education and a safe environment.

Nominations for the rest of the 2003 Executive open on 26 February, with elections at OPSA's AGM on the 24 March.

Further Information: Lesley Scoullar tel/fax (03) 477-6974 Returning Officer Mark Baxter tel/fax (03) 477-6974 Student Liaison Officer mob 021-1146-753

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