NZUSA passed through another financial crisis at Easter Council. By refusing to commit themselves to more than £980 for NZUSA, Auckland Students Association (AUSA) nearly crippled the national body.

If if weren't for the forbearance of other universities NZUSA would have existed for the coming year on £1000 less than last years "skeleton" budget of approximately £4500.

At the start of Council it was clear Auckland delegates would create financial problems for the national body Due to heavy overspending last year at Auckland. NZUSA delegates were sent on condition they commit themselves to no more than £750.

However, when it was revealed they had overpaid to the extent of £230 for the last financial year this was added on to £750 making £980.

All through the commissions Auckland delegates abstained or voted against motions involving finance. It is understood they feared student reaction in Auckland if they didn't follow this course.

Compromise out

The matter came to a head at a meeting of Treasurers and Presidents of all student associations on the Saturday night. At this stage Auckland were refusing to commit themselves in any way to more than £980 for the year.

Offers to compromise by other delegates were met by threats to leave the table thereby collapsing the meeting.

If the figure of £980 for Auckland was accepted as the per capita ratio as suggested the total would be nearly £3500. This sum was not accepted as adequate for financing the organisation.

Unreasonable

Victoria President John McGrath said the figure was "completely unreasonable." Describing Auckland's attitude as a "strong, tough and ridiculous stand," be seconded a motion that the budget be the same as last year with Auckland legally obligated to pay £980 and morally the rest of their true levy (about £400 more). Only Otago voted against the motion.

Dissenting from the motion, Otago President Paddy Finnegan said "we recognise NZUSA should not be forced to operate on a restrictive budget, but we have dissented from the motion to indicate our disgust and concern at having to bear the financial burden of AUSA.

In the event of Auckland being unable or unwilling to fulfil their moral obligations, other student associations will be forced to subsidise Auckland in the vague hope the cost may be recoverable.

Whether this will be necessary will probably be decided at a meeting of Treasurers scheduled for late May.