OUSA Execs face steepest pay cuts

Five members of the Otago University Student Association executive received their first pay reductions of 2026 in the third quarter. The cuts range from 25 percent to 30 percent of their honorarium. These reductions are the deepest of the year, though fewer members were affected than in 2025.

Executive members must submit quarterly reports detailing their work. The rest of the board reviews these documents to determine if full pay is warranted. Members are required to work specific hours where practicable. Sickness and family issues are considered in these decisions.

President Daniel Leamy stated that the reductions reflect a commitment to collective accountability. He noted that the executive is paid with student money. Leamy said pay decisions are not made lightly and demonstrate the group taking its responsibilities seriously in a fair and constructive way.

Rihana Warsame, the Welfare and Equity Representative, averaged 10.7 hours per week against a requirement of 20. She received a 25 percent pay cut, the smallest reduction of the quarter. Warsame noted that time away from New Zealand made it difficult to maintain communication through email and Teams.

Fergus Parks, the Postgraduate Representative, logged 5.32 hours per week against a 10 hour requirement. He received a 30 percent pay cut. Parks said he will not return next year but supports changing the role to an Academic Officer. He believes postgraduate concerns are better handled within departments.

Ella-Mary Sangster, the Clubs and Societies Representative, averaged 4.31 hours per week against a 10 hour requirement. Her yearly average was 8.48 hours. Sangster cited medical reasons for moving around tasks during the quarter.

Troy Gibbons, the Finance and Strategy Officer, and Hansini Wijekoon, the Academic Representative, both exceeded their required hours. Gibbons logged 21.77 hours against a 20 hour target. Wijekoon logged 21.75 hours. Both reported full pay for the quarter.

Flynn Nisbett, the Political Representative, averaged 9.14 hours per week against a 10 hour requirement. His yearly average was 11.96 hours. Nisbett reported meeting with 13 politicians and coordinating with four other student associations on policy issues.

Kamesha Jones, the Administrative Vice President, averaged 19.95 hours per week against a 20 hour target. Excluding the mid-year break, her average was 27 hours. Jones said her goals for the year were sidetracked by administrative issues.

Zoe Eckhoff, the Residential Representative, averaged 7.83 hours per week against a 10 hour requirement. She is working on a green sticker campaign and a long-form flatting guide. Eckhoff aims to establish a Residential Committee before the end of her term.

The executive has several months remaining in its term. Upcoming priorities include boosting student engagement for the general election and finalizing proposals for student governance. The board plans to scrutinize fourth quarter reports for further pay decisions.