University politicians battle malaise
Those running in Massey University’s student elections hope strong competition will ensure a high voter turnout.
The Massey University Students’ Association elections start next week and the aspiring presidential candidates and executive members on campus yesterday tried to convince people to vote for them.
Campaigning closes tomorrow, then voting is open on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Rohit Mohan and Stefan Biberstein are both standing for president, with incumbent Michael Salmon finishing his studies and heading overseas.
Student turnout in voting is traditionally low, although last year there was a 19 per cent increase in voter numbers, however, only 17 per cent of the student body voted. The candidates this year were confident it would be high.
Biberstein, a bachelor of arts student majoring in media and philosophy, ran for president last year, but said the better man won in Salmon. ‘‘Last year there was a big upturn in voters because there was competition. There was a choice,’’ Biberstein said. ‘‘This year I’ve spoken to about 15 100 and 200-level lectures. I’ve come into the class and told them how important it is to vote.
Mohan, who is studying a masters in management, said there were more people involved in the election this year, which should help encourage students to vote. He said he and Biberstein had been out talking to as many people as possible.
Mohan, who came to New Zealand from southern Indian seven months ago, said he wanted to make Massey a vibrant campus for students.
Biberstein said if he were elected, he wanted Massey to answer questions about costs of the student health services and about classes and labs being outside work hours.
Alex Johnston, Gabby Fantham, Kelly Renata, Rakshan Tungala and Tyler Truong are running for next year’s executive.