Student Representation Structure

Simply put, Student Reps represent the interests of students at Massey University. 

Their role is to consult with their student cohorts through events, surveys and forums to proactively look for opportunities to improve student life and address student needs. They echo student voice and collaborate with Massey to recognise and directly involve students’ ideas, experiences, questions and concerns into decisions at all levels from course development to service delivery. 

Student Reps are paid contractors of Te Tira Ahu Pae, with full training and support provided.  

The structure of Representation at Te Tira Ahu Pae is going through a period of change.  

As part of our commitment to student voice and support services, Te Tira Ahu Pae and Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University are working together to review how student representation is structured and delivered. In 2025, a working group of student and University representatives developed two potential new models for our representation structure.  

These models were voted on at our Special General Meeting on Wednesday 15th of October 2025. Following the discussion and vote, Model One - A.K.A the ‘Student Representative Council’ model - was confirmed as the preferred representation structure for adoption.  

As the next step in this process, Te Tira Ahu Pae will be working through a constitutional review to formally adopt the Model One structure. This review will be presented for ratification at either a Special General Meeting (SGM) or the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held in early 2026.  All students will be invited to attend. 

This model places the Māori Students’ Association as an independent, autonomous body, and restructures remaining representation by refining responsibilities, clarifying hours and reducing direct representatives. Funding covers two Presidents, eight General Representatives, twelve Community Reps. 

Presidents: 

• 1x General/Distance President 

• 1x Pasifika President 

General Reps: 

• 3x General Campus Reps 

• 2x General Distance Reps 

• 1x Postgrad Rep 

• 1x International Rep 

Community Reps: 

• 4x Pasifika Reps 

• 4x Disability Reps 

• 4x Rainbow Reps 

Presidents will work 48 weeks while non-President reps work 44 weeks per year. 

This model also allows for 76 students to participate in additional paid opportunities for student voice across the University, by sitting on Massey Boards & Committees.  

Presidents will undergo a pre-screening process and interview before all suitable candidates are presented for wider student elections. The eight General Representative roles will be elected. 

12x Community Reps + Māori Students’ Association will remain autonomous to decide what the appointment or election structure for their cohorts will be. 

The Te Tira Ahu Pae Board will consist of seven people: 

• 3x Presidents (General, Pasifika & one Māori from the Māori Students’ Association) 

• 2x Student Reps (voted in by all other Reps) 

• 2x Independent External Advisors (non-students) 

This board will be paid an additional Honorarium for the full 52-week responsibility, separate to their representation and presidential remuneration.