Voluntary student membership now a thing

October 5th 2011 by Sebastian Boyle

Amidst student protests at tertiary institutes around the country, the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill passed its third reading last week and received its Royal assent, thereby passing into law.

The law comes into effect as of 1st January 2012, introducing a purely voluntary system of membership for students' associations. Students will be required to choose to join their tertiary institute's students' association, as opposed to becoming a member automatically, as is the case at the University of Canterbury and most tertiary institutes in the country.

At present, students' associations can have either a universal or voluntary system of membership, selected by students when a referendum is called for by ten percent of their student body. This option was exercised at Auckland University, which voted for voluntary membership in 1999, and again in 2001 and 2003. Students whose association has universal membership may opt-out on the grounds of "conscientious objection", and their membership fee, if applicable, is to be paid to a charity of the association's choice.

As Canterbury students do not pay direct membership fees to the UCSA, the Association has long suggested that voluntary student membership would not have the financial or practical impact it might have at other tertiary institutes.

But other students' associations are having to reconsider the way in which they operate. Victoria University student magazine Salient reported last week that the Victoria University Wellington Students' Association is likely to offer free membership next year, as opposed to the current fee-based system.

Students at several tertiary institutes protested the law last week, the largest demonstration being held at Auckland University, where around 500 students gathered. 300 later moved to occupy a university building, where 60 students barricaded themselves in. Police made one arrest.

Approximately 30 students staged sit-ins at both Victoria and Otago.

Following the passing of the legislation, the New Zealand Union of Students' Associations (NZUSA) announced its campaign to "fix" the law, co-presidents Max Hardy and David Do criticising National for "ignoring the overwhelming opposition, arguments, and evidence" to the law.

5000 submissions were made on the law, 98% of which were opposed to it.

"Many students and campuses will see their associations collapse under this new system," warned Hardy.

Tertiary Minister Steven Joyce said his advice to NZUSA was to "keep your heads down because actually most people probably think you're doing okay".

The Bill, introduced by ACT's Heather Roy, passed 63 votes to 58 with the support of National and United Future.