Women's Vice-President.

Nominations have now closed and Jael Reiri has been elected unopposed.

For 2023, it is my pleasure to stand for Women’s Vice President with the Tertiary Education Union.

My name is Jael Reiri and I have been the Vice President Women’s during term 2020 – 2022.

I am a mother of five daughters aged 14, 13, 10, 2, 1 and continue to share advice with their father, even when he is not willing to hear it. He’s one lucky guy!

One unique thing about my family is that our names all begin with the letter J – yes, ko te whānau J mātou.

Currently, I work in the School of Nursing at Eastern Institute of Technology – Te Pūkenga. My role for the last five years has been Kaitiaki Māori and Lecturer. Prior to this, my career included working as a Primary/Secondary School Teacher in English and Māori medium settings.

As I have done in the past few years as Women’s Vice President, I would continue to advocate for all Tertiary Education Union members, a sound voice for our wāhine – therefore working towards an inviting and comfortable workspace which include:

• Speaking up for the minority
• Challenging pay equity
• Promoting gender equity and
• Safer work conditions …
• And continue to see a bi-lingual lens throughout all my decision-making - ensuring Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the foundation base

The Tertiary Education Union continues to work towards being a Tiriti-led union. I support this. Being part of a union that welcomes Te Tiriti to all discussion, ensures known tikanga is followed, and decisions are confirmed under fair and equitable processes.

I continue to support TEU’s gender equity strategy/toolkit, Te Koeke Tiriti and, if nominated, look forward to the rules review process.

We must keep rhythm with 21st century ways of being and doing to guarantee members are current in our sector.