Historic first as co-presidents elected unopposed.

Hau Taki Haere | Tertiary Update Vol 27, No 15

Te Hautū Kahurangi | Tertiary Education Union is pleased to announce the election of our two Tumu Whakarae | National Presidents for the 2024-25 term. They are Dr Julie Douglas and Hūhana Wātene. This marks the first time TEU has elected co-presidents who will lead our newly constituted co-governed national Council.

Hūhana Wātene, a long-time TEU activist, Vice President, and lecturer at Unitec, says she sought the role because she enjoys a good working relationship with current Tumu Whakarae, Dr Julie Douglas, and believes that they are the right team to shepherd in the union’s new governance structure.

“I am so proud of our union – we are extremely brave and forward thinking. Julie and I are committed to making this work and we have confidence in each other. Working together we have a great opportunity to show people how effective and powerful a co-governed organisation can be.”

“I am totally committed to doing the mahi. I have a good work ethic and I don’t shy away from difficult tasks. But I also like to take an inclusive approach to leadership.”

“I am very grateful to have been given total support from my colleagues, husband, and whānau, and with that strong backing I am looking forward to getting stuck in and making our union a role model for other organisations to follow.”

Dr Douglas says “I am thrilled and honoured to have been elected to the position of Tumu Whakarae Tiriti |National President Tiriti for 2024/25. It will be different as a part time role, but I am looking forward to working in partnership with Hūhana Wātene to continue the good work of our union.”

“There is plenty of industrial work and the ongoing mahi in the operationalising of the new rules and governance structure to keep us very busy.”

“I believe Hūhana and I will demonstrate the benefits of co-leadership in our complementary working styles and show that we are truly breaking new ground for our members.”

Our new Tumu Whakarae will take up their new roles in February. Nominations will now open for our Vice Presidents (Industrial and Professional and National Women’s Committee) on Thursday.

Also in this update:

• TEU mourns former Tumu Whakarae Lesley Francey
• TEU welcomes Andy Hipkiss
• Union education coming to a campus near you
• Money Month with HealthCarePlus

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