Philip Sowman

The position of president is a key one in the Students' Association if the Association is to run smoothly and work in the interests of students. The President's job as I see it requires, firstly experience in the workings of the Students' Association. In this area I have been involved primarily as Sports Officer 1978-79. I have a good working knowledge of the way student clubs operate and the problems they face which I feel will be invaluable in dealing with more general problems next year. Other experience has been 1978:— Union Management Committee, 1979:— chairman Sports Committee, chairman Bluespanel, Open Day Committee (Recreation Centre), Member of NZ Universities Sport Union Management Committee, (the sports equivalent of NZUSA Executive).

The second requirement of the President is to have administrative ability. As Sports Officer I have organised teams for Sports Tournaments and administered funds from Sports Committees. This year I am completing an M.A. (App) Rec. Administration which has a large practical component giving me experience in administration and the associated problems. Through my M.A. course I have been required to submit detailed reports at regular intervals — this type of report writing is an important administrative function of the President.