CEO Bows Out of Talks With Students

MEDIA RELEASE

CEO BOWS OUT of TALKS with STUDENTS

Today Otago Polytechnic CEO Wanda Korndörffer cancelled a planned meeting with student representatives today, as a reaction to the stand off between Council Chairman and Students at last night's Polytechnic Council meeting. Dr Korndörffer had told the students in the council meeting to use the proper channels; the frustrated students were close to a sit in when a compromise was reached.

OPSA President Phil Baskerville's reaction to the cancellation was "I had predicted she would cancel this meeting. Her cancellation demonstrates a disinterest in and lack of respect for Students." The meeting was to talk specifically about the problems with the renovations with the Students' Association.

"She had been held up in something else" was the reason given by Dr Korndorffer's PA. "I thought that she put more priority into talking with students after last nights meeting." Mr Baskerville said.

Dr Korndorffer has recently claimed that students have not been attending planned meetings with Polytechnic management had been called "Total rubbish" by Mr Baskerville "This is typical smoke screening by management to protect themselves, I feel that they they are afraid of having a true and honest meeting with us"

This is substantial evidence that when students try to take the 'proper channels', the channels are blocked by management.

The meeting was rescheduled for next Friday where the students concerns and the redevelopment stage 1a & 1b will be discussed.

[ENDS]

For more information:

Phil Baskerville Michelle Watt Mark Baxter
OPSA President OPSA Vice-President Student Liaison Officer
Cell: 021 610 056 Cell: 021 112 1789 Cell: 021 114 6753
Hm: (03) 474 0306 Hm: (03) 455 8876

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