TEU and the University of Canterbury have negotiated a key role for TEU Te Uēpu representatives into the new collective agreement.

The University has agreed it will support paid participation of a Te Toi Ahurangi or Te Uēpu representative “in branch and related activity of the union within and beyond the workplace”. In return, TEU will also consult with, and provide prior notice to the university of any meetings or demands that require the input and/or presence of the TEU Māori representative.

The university and TEU have negotiated a similar clause for paid Pasifika representation within and beyond the workplace.

TEU advocated strongly for the claim during its mid-agreement negotiations with the university, with the university very willing to acknowledge its obligations and commitments to Māori and Pasifika staff. The union says the agreement, if ratified by TEU members in an upcoming ballot, bodes well for future working relationships with Māori and Pasifika members.