Sandra Grey on the Rules Review.

What is it that TEU stands for? This question has been at the heart of a series of workshops being run by TEU leaders and staff.

I’ve had the privilege of hearing the many ideas raised by members as one of the staff leading the rules review. What has been clear in the workshops is that a few crucial ideas connect the TEU membership.

The first of the foundational principles is that through the articles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, TEU will build strong and enduring relationships founded on ensuring tino rangatiratanga for all members. We need strong relationships so that we can exercise academic freedom and workplace and union democracy.

Up next is the desire of members to ensure that we stand together to fight for quality public tertiary education. This means fighting for tertiary education institutions where the wellbeing of people – the staff, learners, families, iwi, and communities – is at the heart of decisions. But also, a place where we work together to fight for the wellbeing of the planet we walk on.

There is a strong drive with the members who’ve been in workshops to ensure we awhi each other and of course are able to ask for help and support from the collective. We need to advance equity and to protect the vulnerable.

These ideals raised are going to form the base of a major rewrite of the TEU’s rules over the coming year. Now would be a great time to have your say.

Do you want a union based on the following ideas?

• Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Strong relationships
• Defending public tertiary education
• Ensuring the wellbeing of people and planet
• Fighting for equity

Have your say by emailing sandra.grey@teu.ac.nz and keep an eye out for a workshop near you.