Aotearoa Tertiary Students Association
Press Release
Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Student Referendum Biased
“Polytechnic Management have squashed student rights to talk in the Bay of Plenty and biased a vital referendum
procedurally” stated National Student President Keith Clark. Clark was angry that the Tauranga Association of Students
(TAS) narrowly lost their referendum this week at the polytechnic.
“At a national level we are deeply disturbed at the events surrounding the election process leading to the result. It is
no surprise that students voted negatively due to the flawed process and the fact that students were prevented from
receiving all information” said Clark.
“The BOP Council refused to hear procedural arguments that would be fair, be properly accountable, save students money
and result in a high voter turnout. BOP polytechnic is the only tertiary institution to bias the referendum nationwide.
The BOP Council did not consult with the students and this has led to TAS and ATSA considering its legal options”
advised Clark. This may include awaiting a ruling from the new proposed Tertiary Ombudsman.
“ATSA is adamant that under fair conditions that the BOP students would have voted differently as proved elsewhere with
resounding pro student association votes nationwide this year” said Clark. “Student representatives were prevented by
management from entering classrooms to discuss the issues with students. Consideration should be given by the Bay of
Plenty Polytechnic Council to immediately set aside the result of this referendum and run a fair referendum next year.”
“Despite the result, there is no way that ATSA will walk away from Bay of Plenty students and the Tauranga Association
of Students (TAS). ATSA is committed to good student representation nationwide” said Clark.
ENDS
For more comment contact:
Keith Clark ATSA National President 04 498 2501 025 756 526