MEDIA RELEASE Date: 15 May 2002 Attention: Education Reporters For Immediate Release
Students Vote in Favour of Compulsory Membership
“Students at Tairawhiti Polytechnic and Nelson-Marlborough Institute of Technology have voted overwhelmingly in favour
of compulsory membership of their student associations,” announced Julie Pettett, President of the Aotearoa Tertiary
Students’ Association (ATSA).
“The students at both institutions have vocalised the disadvantages faced as a result of voluntary student membership,”
stated Pettett. “Students know better than anyone else what is best for them in their institutions. Now these student
associations will be able to contribute positively to assist students and to help their institutions move forward.”
“ATSA is really pleased at the assistance that both institutions have given to their respective students and fledging
student associations. The institutions have clearly demonstrated that they are willing to work constructively with
students for the benefit of all.
ATSA is excited that students at these institutions have acknowledged the importance of strong representation. These
results build upon similar positive decisions at Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology, Waiariki Institute of
Technology and Waikato Polytechnic in recent years.
ENDS
For further comment, contact: Julie Pettett ATSA National President Office 04 939 1417 Cellphone 029 939 1417