The results of the VUWSA General Election were anno-unced last Thursday night, with few surprises and little excitement.
Official voter turnout figures were unavailable when Salient went to print, but it is estimated to be approximately 1800 students. Though this is only about ten per cent of the student body, it is almost double last year’s low turnout.
Bridie Hood was elected President for 2012, with 1449 votes to ensure a motion of no confidence could not pass against her.
“I would like to thank everyone for their support over their last few weeks and congratulate those who won their elections. 2012 is going to be a challenging year for VUWSA and I look forward to working with a strong Executive to insure VUWSA remains a strong and responsive students association,” said Hood following her election.
Hood also acknowledged the challenges VUWSA will face next year as the association adjusts to a voluntary environment.
“I will be spending the rest of the year alongside the current VUWSA Executive to ensure that appropriate structures are put in place for 2012. Although VSM poses a massive threat to the representation and services that VUWSA provides, we now need to look to the future and confront the challenge in front of us. VUWSA will survive VSM,”
she said.
Outgoing President Seamus Brady also congratulated Hood on her success.
“I have every confidence in Bridie’s ability to be a great President and lead VUWSA through a difficult year as they transition to a new environment. She’s achieved a lot as Vice-President (Education) so I look forward to seeing what she does next year,” he said.
Other results also came as no surprise. Ta’ase Vaoga held her own against a no confidence motion, succeeding in becoming Vice President (Welfare) with 1437 votes. Vaoga and Hood were the only Executive members from 2011 to seek re-election.
Josh Wright had a successful evening, winning each of the positions he stood for—Vice-President (Academic), Education Officer and one of two Publications Committee representatives. Assuming he takes up the Vice Presidency, Sam Vincent will become Education Officer.
The position of Treasurer was won by Science Society President William Guzzo. Former VUWSA President and 2011 NZUSA co-president Max Hardy was elected the Student Representative on the University Council.
Election night also saw the end of Seamus Brady’s tenure at VUWSA after being involved with the Association since 2008. He says it is a good feeling to be moving on.
“Despite losing my youthful good looks, I’ve loved (almost) every bit of my time involved and it’s incredibly satisfying to see how much VUWSA has grown over the past three and half years,” he said.
Alongside voting in the election, students were also asked about their opinion of VUWSA’s Strategic Plan, the first of its kind for the association. Of the 1827 who responded to this question, approximately 50 per cent felt “neutral” towards it. While only 32 per cent said they were “satisfied” with the Plan. This was the final round of consultation, which will now be discussed by the Executive and then voted upon at next year’s Initial General Meeting.
VUWSA Election Results
Position: President
Elected: Bridie Hood (1449)
Other Candidates: No Confidence (307)
Position: Vice President (Welfare)
Elected: Ta’ase Vaonga (1437)
Other Candidates: No Confidence (308)
Position: International Officer
Elected: Debbie Zhang (1407)
Other Candidates: Lisa Taylor (263)
Position: Vice President (Academic
Elected: Josh Wright (1038)
Other Candidates: Craig Carey (673)
Position: Queer Officer
Elected: Genevieve Fowler (1411)
Other Candidates: Emma Maddox (205)
Position: Treasurer
Elected: William Guzzo (902)
Other Candidates: Zanian Steele (473),
Bruno Simpson (309)
Position: Welfare Officer
Elected: Rory McCourt (871)
Other Candidates: Emma Anderson (526)
Kiran Matthews (339)
Position: Activities Officer
Elected: Andreas Triandafilidis (835)
Other Candidates: Kirin Matthews (463),
Lisa Taylor (371)
Position: Education Officer
Elected: Josh Wright (783)
Other Candidates: Sam Vincent (627)
Lisa Taylor (298)
Position: Campaigns Officer
Elected: Adele Redmond (1363)
Other Candidates: No Confidence (372)
Position: Women’s Officer
Elected: Sara Bishop (927)
Other Candidates: Isabella Whitfield (658)
Position: Clubs Officer
Elected: Reed Fleming (1460)
Other Candidates: Andrew Donnelly (261)
Position: Student Rep. on University Council
Elected: Max Hardy (1429)
Other Candidates: Lisa Taylor (244)
Position: Environmental Officer
Elected: Sophie Turner (1035)
Other Candidates: Harry Lusk (392),
Stu Miller (324)
osition: Publications Committee Representatives
Elected: Elle Hunt (1359), Josh Wright (673)
Other Candidates: Zanian Steele (275),
Keegan Platten (120)