Te Tira Ahu Pae students' association and clubs - Ngā rōpū tauira Te Tira Ahu Pae me ngā karapu

Massey University and your students’ association Te Tira Ahu Pae worked in partnership to redesign student representation services throughout 2025 to ensure an equitable, contemporary and financially sustainable model that delivers meaningful outcomes for all Massey students. A working group was established, extensive consultation took place and the following key outcomes were agreed:

• A restructure of student representative hours and remuneration.
• A confirmed operational structure that supports and enables student representatives.
• Establishment of a standalone Māori student association with independent governance, while maintaining a mana-enhancing relationship with Te Tira Ahu Pae.
• A revised constitution aligned with the new Incorporated Societies Act.

The new constitution was formally adopted at a special general meeting on 26 February 2026. Appointments were made to the roles of general manager, representation manager and human resources manager to strengthen the delivery of both student services and representation functions.

The board

At the centre of Te Tira Ahu Pae is a student‑led board comprising the General/Distance president, Pasifika president, Tumuaki or co‑Tumuaki from the Māori students association, 2 student representatives and 2 independent external advisors. The board is responsible for ensuring that the voices of all Massey students are reflected in decision‑making.

The board provides governance oversight, sets strategic direction, ensures responsible management of the association and upholds obligations as a student‑focused organisation.

Presidents and Tumuaki

Te Tira Ahu Pae operates under a tripartite leadership model: the General/Distance president, the Pasifika president and the Tumuaki or co‑Tumuaki of the Māori students association. Each leader holds equal responsibility and leads with the values, aspirations and priorities of their respective communities at the forefront.

Student representatives

Student representatives act as the voice of their campuses and cohorts. They engage with students, gather feedback and advocate on issues ranging from academic matters to wellbeing, campus experience and accessibility.

Representatives are paid casual employees who are appointed annually through elections or appointments, depending on the role. This approach ensures the team remains dynamic, diverse and representative of the student body.

Students interested in learning more about representation are encouraged to explore the student representation structure.

Student representation structure

Te Tira Ahu Pae operations

Te Tira Ahu Pae employs full‑time operational staff to deliver services under the guidance of the board. The organisation comprises approximately 28 full or part‑time operational positions and around 23 part‑time student representative roles. This does not include the Māori students association, which may employ up to 6 part‑time student representative staff.

Operational teams deliver a wide range of services including events, advocacy, club support and student media. Their role is to enhance the student experience and ensure students have access to support and advice when challenges arise.

A portion of the Student Services Fee (SSF) supports Te Tira Ahu Pae through a Service Level Agreement to deliver services accessible to all students, regardless of campus or mode of study. These services include:

Advocacy

Student advocates provide support with class disputes, course issues, landlord challenges and general guidance. Emergency financial support is available to assist you with immediate emergencies that affect your wellbeing. Advocates coordinate the class representative system and help resolve course-related concerns raised by classes.

Clubs, groups and events

Support is provided to academic, social, cultural and sporting clubs through administrative assistance and access to club activity grants. The number of student-run clubs continues to grow and students are encouraged to establish new clubs to reflect emerging interests.

Student to student communications

Te Tira Ahu Pae produces online and print media including Massive magazine and promotional material. Communication platforms include the students’ association website, Facebook, Instagram, Radio Control 99.4FM and student-led media production.

Student services fee explained