USU Executive Nominees
USU Executive Nominees:
Voting for the 2011 USU Executive is just around the corner, so it’s time you got to know your nominees. In Unison asked the candidates to share a little bit about themselves*. We gave them 200 words and let them go wild. *Please note In Unison has published blurbs as they were received and they have not been edited for spelling or grammar.
If you are unhappy with the options available and don’t have faith in the candidates abilities then you can vote for No Confidence instead. If No Confidence gets more votes than the candidates then another election must be held to fill the position.
Umar Ayub
Postgraduate Representative
Hi everyone, I am Umar, and this year I’m a contender for the USU Postgraduate Representative. My home country is Pakistan and I came to New Zealand in February 2010. I’m doing Master of Computing at Unitec and this is my second semester.I believe that the quality of postgraduate education an academic institution provides primarily differentiates it from other academic institutions around the world. Unlike undergraduate levels, at postgraduate levels it is all about the quality of courses covered (depth wise), and not about the quantity of courses covered (breadth wise). I believe one of the major reasons Unitec is not being granted a university status by Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (NZVCC) is because we still need to bring improvements to our postgraduate and doctorate courses here at Unitec. I’ve felt the need of these improvements as well during my post graduate course here. I cannot promise you guys that I will make Unitec a university but what I do promise is if postgraduate students from all departments of Unitec collaborate with me then we can highlight issues that are getting in our way of becoming students from the 9th New Zealand University. Wanna know more about me visit my website. Cheers.
Seyed Ali Derhamy
President
Vice President
General Executive member
As Vice president of USU I would push for progress. I feel that I am able to assist in solving problems faced by the student body and capable of challenging lecturers and other USU staff when they act in ways which may not reflect the best interests of students.
I reflect a unique perspective to the needs of student body as I have been studying at Unitec for four years. I have the capacity to understand student’s problems, and if I am given the mandate I will strive to work on issues like car parking and better social areas for group study. I am open and friendly, and often available to talk to in and around the hub.
If you would like a capable and active vice president vote for me.
Natasha Donaldson
General Executive Member
Whoa.... cant believe ive been nominated, but since i have, thought i may as well honor those people who have faith in me!!!! Long story short, if you dont vote for me expect a gang member to arrive at your home with a shotgun....
Kidding.... or am i.... i wouldnt take the chance if i were u... So anyways, i am a competent member of society and
would like to ensure that we all have a fair and reasonable shot at passing all our studies with dignity and the security of knowing that there is someone real who will stick it to the man if need be. I have worked for the
government as well as other corporations and consider myself a leader in social justice, and the little man's rights. I
am of Maori and P.I background and am the epitomy of west auckland what??? I am happy to talk to any one at any time and for any reason.... all you have to do is hollah yall!!!
Will Edser
Vice President
Hey Hey.
For those of you 20,000 Unitec students that don’t know me, I’m Will and I
am currently studying a Bachelor of Sport (Physical Education). My main
interests are sport, education and youth development, with my career goals
strictly focusing around these interests. My hobbies include weight
training, pastoring youth, partying, surfing and getting as much as I can
from Studylink. The things I value include my friends and family, adversity
for growth, fairness, respect, food, cultural diversity, my education,
integrity, my peers (you guys), the Unitec institution & its facilities,
rugby, sport and New Zealand. I’ve mentioned my values because it’s
important to know what the person you’re voting for as vice president stands
for, as almost all of the decisions and advice I would make and give, would
be based around these values. I think it’s fair to say, that the USU is one
of the most successful student associations in New Zealand with an
incredible relationship with Unitec, and my campaign isn’t going to be about
changing it all up or adding more representation, but I will have an eye on
increasing student awareness of the excellent services available to USU
Members. That’s enough from me.
Johnny “Hoani'”Hettig
Maori Representative
As a Maori student doing a Bachelor of Screen Arts I believe I have the potential to carry out the position as USU Maori representative.
I started my degree at the beginning of last year with the intention of making the most of every opportunity. Last year I was a mentee on the Maori mentoring programme, Whai Ake, which is situated on the Mt Albert campus at the Marae. This programme opened up some amazing doors for me career wise and aided me in discovering more about my culture and my heritage. At graduation i was presented with an award for mentee of the year and decided to apply for a position on the Whai Ake programme as a mentor in 2010, which I was accepted into.
Not only am I involved in this programme, but I have my own production company which lets me work closely with Maori television, this acquires careful skill and observation for a successful outcome.
Who else better to represent Maori than someone who can utilise the position to its best advantage. I have hands on experience and am involved with programmes designed to encourage, inspire and enable Maori students to reach their full potential.
Chantelle Francis
General Executive Member
My name is Chantelle Francis and I am running for the General Executive for the USU. We all as students want to come to Unite and have a happy learning environment.
Just a little about my past at Unitec and my involvement with the USU.I have been a student representative for the business school and really did enjoy dealing with some of the issues that some of the students may have faced in our lectures. I am currently the student program representative for the NZ Diploma in Business and find it every interesting; I now know a lot of our rules at Unitec and try to bring up as many issues that students may face, and take it to the representative meetings.
I would just like to have the opportunity to learn more about the union, and get more involved with students.
Pete Hodkinson
President
The 2010 presidency has been intense. I’ve laughed and on occasion cried – the pressure/workload is often immense and I underestimated the job. But I’ve worked hard and put my heart, soul and often ridiculous hours into this place.
I’ve learnt that being a great Students’ Association isn’t just doing great things… If nobody knows what you’ve done, you haven’t done anything. The USU needs to keep students more ‘in-the-loop’ so to speak. In addition to strengthening our engagement with ALL students, there are some very practical things I want to achieve and push for in 2011 including (to name just a few):
-Better communication of and more attention to sports/clubs across all campuses alongside more self-directed activities (pool, table-tennis and basketball.)
-Waitakere needs more events – this will change.
-Better integration of international students – greater involvement of domestic students in international-based events, fostering relationships by reducing barriers between international and domestic students.
-Greater involvement and communication with Trade-students across the board.
-Common rooms, especially in Mt. Albert’s North-end and Waitakere.
-Wider-spread USU orientation-talks, increasing first-year awareness of USU’s and Unitec’s services.
-Better I.T. support, equipment and security at the north end of Mt Albert Campus.
-Better lighting between building 1 and the student village.
Anyone who has spoken to or worked with me knows I have excellent communication skills, a solid work ethic, a brain to back up the talk and a huge love for Unitec. It’s also important to note that having been president for a year, it won’t take me 6 months to awkwardly learn ropes and build relationships – something only I bring to the table this year.
Vote for someone you know can do the job, vote for institutional knowledge and commitment, vote for a great student experience.
Re-elect Pete Hodkinson as your voice and USU-President for 2011!
Ponlok Huy
Vice President
Treasurer
General Executive Member
No blurb submitted.
Karan Jatakia
Vice President
Treasurer
International Representative
General Executive Member
Hi everyone my name is Karan Jatakia. I am from India and doing my bachelors degree in accounting. I am running for the USU election for just one reason and that is to help raise student’s voice. Any issues related to students will be resolved and there will be no student left disappointed. I know the margin is narrow, but the responsibility is clear. I am happy to talk to students about their problems but even happier to listen to their problems. My friendly character will also enable students to be more comfortable in bringing their issues to me. Keeping it short and sweet I thing every vote counts and “if you are the best vote for the best”.
Jenine Kendale
Treasurer
General Executive Member
Vote: Jenine Kendale as your 2011 Treasurer and General Executive.
Why? Because I care and have the experience as I am the current General Executive and I am at the end of my second year in my accounting and finance degree. I spend many hours each week helping students with various issues.
Some of my achievements thus far, I:
• helped organise student common space in building 172, proposal currently under review.
• established a social club at 172 currently run by Jayne.
• succeeded in getting the principles of managerial finance summer school 2009 final exam transcripts remarked.
• arranged a complete overhaul of the statistics level 5 course, arranged pass classes, excel lab sessions, a new lecturer and the video tutorials updated.
• helped collect for the Marae project at Sounds in the Sun.
• have been helping students map out which courses they need to do in order to complete their studies.
I would like to see the USU:
• Services available from 8.30am to 9pm for night class students.
• Improved lighting and security around campus.
• create more common areas, study rooms and open computer labs, parking and new exciting social activities.
Vote: Jenine Kendale
Rose Marie Jackson
Waitakere Representative
Hello everyone my name is Rose Marie Jackson, I am in between first and second year papers of Bachelor of Social Practice. I am running USU rep for Waitakere 2011. I believe that we need to be heard here at Waitakere! I will support any issues brought to me by students with the up most confidence and discretion. I will listen with respect and empathy. I identify myself as Maori and I am proud of who I am. I have spent twenty years abroad travelling Europe, USA,and Asia and have gained lots of knowledge of different culture values and beliefs. I have learnt by being a student that their are many issues that could and would arise during the year of studing. I would like to learn more on the Unitec union and be more involed. Arohanui Rose Jackson.
Kevin Mbici
President
The reason I'm here today is because somebody somewhere stood up when it was risky, when it was hard, when he wasn't popular. And because that somebody stood up, a few more stood up, then a thousand, then a million stood up; and with courage and purpose they managed to change the world.
As President, I'll fight for free parking for students, ensure Muslim students get Halal meals and fight for students’ welfare and benefits zealously and zestfully. I’ll ensure all students are treated equally. Having suffered at the hands of cheating agents, I’ll protect students from such people. I’ll not lead by impulse but by principle, neither by calculation but with conviction.
As we summon the entire university to a higher purpose, I run for the presidency because the students want me to be in the Union now. I won’t offer change as a slogan, but real meaningful change. I'll lead the school to combat threats of stress, drop-outs, drug use due to unfair treatment and support students with new ideas and innovations to make breakthroughs.
To Henderson, North Shore and New Market students my message is, “You matter to us”. I’ll ensure more creative events for these far flung parts of UNITEC.
I’m running because of “the fierce urgency of now" as said by Bill Graham. I believe there’s no such thing as being late. UNITEC students, our moment is now!
I believe in things not seen. We can make right choices and meet challenges that face us. If you feel the same energy and urgency, the same passion and hopefulness that I do, then I know that all across UNITEC, from Henderson to North Shore, to Mt. Albert, students shall rise up, this university will reclaim its promise and brighter days will come.
God Bless you All
Kathleen Noble
Maori Representative
General Executive Member
First of all I like to say thank you to those who have nominated me to run for Maori general executive. It is my privilege to be nominated for this position.
I am in my first year of social practice, and see there is a greater need for Maori to be a component of all tertiary study.
I believe that incorporating Maori components will not only help those who are in need of Maori support but for those who haven't yet experienced the importance of Maori in a higher learning environment.
I believe that I am the type of person that works hard to get the end result and who is capable of getting a better outcome for all. Students need to be heard as far as their voice can carry them, and I will be committed to carrying that voice and directing issues to the right people. My ultimate goal is to succeed in representing Maori in Unitec.
I will endeavour to ensure that given the position of Maori general executive that Partnership and Kotahitanga is valued by all.
I would encourage that students get to know me.
Hei Kona
Shaun Overton
General Executive Member
Hey guys my name is Shaun Overton. I am currently a first year student doing a Bachelor in Computing Systems. I am running in the USU 2011 Election for the position of “General Executive”. Do you want onions with your free USU sausage? I know I do! And that’s why I want you to vote for me. I believe I can bring a fresh voice to our student union. I want to see our student union work for us. I want to work with the USU and help them improve their current services. Let’s put our student association fees to work! Together, we can make our time at Unitec a little bit easier and hopefully fun. Feel free to come and talk to me. I’m usually hanging around “The Hub” or building 183. So if you believe I’m the guy you want working for you or you just want onions with your free sausage, then please vote for me in the upcoming USU election.
Shannon Pennefather
Vice President
General Executive Member
Hi Everyone!
My name is Shannon Pennefather. This is my first year at Unitec and my first year back in NZ after 6 years sailing and teaching English in Europe so I thought I’d do a Cert in electronics engineering. Unitec is a great place to study but there is a lot of room for improvement. First priority for me?
I’m bringing Student back!
What does that mean? For me being a student is about more than just turning up for class and doing homework. It’s about learning how your chosen field fits into the world, about how you fit into the world. It’s about taking an interest in your campus and (of course) partying hard!
As Vice President I will work towards better and more USU functions for a wider range of interest. I will work towards better interdepartmental cooperation so students have more opportunities to see what other people are studying and learning. I will also work to make a wider range of clubs available.
So, are you a student or just someone doing a course? If you have taken the time to reads this I’m guessing student. Thanks for your vote
No confidence
All positions
Oh hai gaiz!
I am No Confidence and I want to be your candidate for all positions. As an executive member of your student association I vow to make grand, empty and inevitably broken promises for student rights, free stuff, and romantic escapades for everyone who can and can not be bothered to ask for it. I plan to represent the voiceless, faceless, suffocating tangle of beaurocracy to get things not done. You have the right to not care what happens to you, and by God I will uphold that right and lead by example. You will find love in a black hole. I will play Aqua’s “I’m a Barbie Girl” at intolerably high volumes while you shuffle through the quad to receive your free grilled sausage, as is your right. I will use the 200 word limit in this candidate blurb to try to confuse you about my real intents and purposes, which will only be revealed when you purchase the limited-edition DVD box set, which will only be released after I am voted into office. I have never been to university; I am a student of life. My personal grooming and fashion sense are impeccable. Yes we can!