National hui brings branch leadership together.

Feb. 20, 2025

Hau Taki Haere | Tertiary Update Vol 29, No 2

Te Hautū Kahurangi | Tertiary Education Union’s branch leaders from across Aotearoa came together in Pōneke | Wellington this week. The aim of the hui was to kōrero about giving effect to our new constitution at branch level, in particular the new co-leadership model that ensures Te Uepū reps (Māori representatives at branch level) and Branch Presidents share equal authority and responsibility.

For Tumu Whakarae – Tiriti | National President – Tiriti Dr Julie Douglas, “what stood out from the two days was how much stronger we are working together, with people from a diverse range of backgrounds bringing unique lenses and perspectives to the work of the union, problem-solving in the room and bringing our new constitution to life with enthusiasm and purpose.”

“From the bottom up, there is a strong commitment to make workers’ lives better, together as a national union.”

Dadon Rowell, a branch president at Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato | The University of Waikato says “as a new branch president, I found the hui reinvigorating and reactivating. It was packed with really useful and proactive conversations. People shared some of the problems they face, and it was liberating to realise we are all facing the same stuff and to know there are people we can go to and talk to.”

Ngāroma Williams, a Te Uepū rep from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | The University of Canterbury found the hui “very inclusive. I felt free to engage and contribute to everything. It was wonderful to see new leaders and old working together and able to articulate our union’s constitution in terms of Te Ao Māori.

Those present also took some time out to express their deep concern about recent media reports that university funding is set to suffer a 4% funding cut.

Craig Marshall, branch president at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka | The University of Otago, spoke out in a video circulated on TEU’s social media channels. He made the point that even with the 4% increase that’s now being revoked, funding hasn’t kept up with inflation for more than a decade. Over this time inflation was running particularly high, university costs skyrocketed, and salaries fell behind. The removal of the 4% creates more jeopardy for universities that will lead to things like losses of courses and losses of jobs which will in turn negatively impact on students.

All attendees also signed letters to the Vice Chancellors and Minister Reti expressing deep concern and seeking collaboration towards a better way forward.

Also in this update:

International Working Women’s Day is almost here!

Casual staff are better off in TEU

TEU welcomes three new Kaiwhakahaere

Network General Meetings

National hui brings branch leadership together.

Hau Taki Haere | Tertiary Update Vol 29, No 2

Also in this update:

Other stories