Massey Extramural Students’ Society dumps its president

Massey Extramural Students’ Society dumps its president

20 October 2013

For immediate release

Massey’s Extramural Students Society (EXMSS) has dumped its president, Jeannette (JV) Chapman, at a Special General Meeting on October 19, held at Massey University’s Palmerston North campus.

Two temporary co-presidents, Tiri Porter, and Mark Lester, now head a new eight-member executive of current and recently elected executive members. All will hold office until the society’s Annual General Meeting.

A former executive member, Mr Lester, along with Ms Porter, who was on the most recent executive, are now tasked with rebuilding EXMSS

Mr Lester, a chartered accountant and a former EXMSS treasurer, is keen to actively engage the membership.

“I would like nothing more than for students to show an interest in the operation and direction of EXMSS, and that will be a focus.”

Ms Porter has extensive governance experience, is a former member of the Massey University Council, and is on the Board of Trustees at her daughters’ school.

The Special General Meeting was arranged by members of the society after repeated calls for the society to convene requests for a meeting were rebuffed by Ms Chapman.

Ms Chapman took office on January 1 after being elected unopposed. She, along with Mrs Palmer and Ms Chapman’s co-opted appointees failed to attend the SGM.

“I think that is a real shame,” Mr Lester told the meeting

Mr Lester says the society’s focus is to re-engage with members, rebuild relationships with the University, and to revisit the society’s constitution.

“We have a group of executive members who are wanting to move EXMSS forward”.

Ms Porter says she is pleased with the outcome of the meeting.

“We have a supportive membership base, but we now have a lot of work to do to return EXMSS to the healthy situation it was in last year.”

The meeting also determined the date of the society’s Annual General Meeting, which will be held on 15 January 2014

Massey University has taken over provision of student services previously undertaken by the society after Ms Chapman’s reports were deemed by the University to be inadequate, and funding was pulled by the University.

Fresh elections will also be held for executive members – including the President and Vice President - with nominations opening on 21 October and closing a month later. The new executive will be ratified at January’s AGM, where it is hoped a new constitution will also be approved and subsequently registered with the registrar of Incorporated Societies.

Both Presidents are looking forward to representing and assisting members and students

“EXMSS is in good hands with strong connections to stakeholders and members,” Ms Porter says.

ENDS

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