This year's crop of candidates for the Executive elections is one of the most uninspiring ones seen for a long time. The manifestos are almost uniformly dull - the only ones that stand out are those of Stephen Hay, his wife and his brother-in-law. The family's manifestos are clearly set out with definite policy points.

Unfortunately the policy is definitely far-right. The family would destroy the Students' Association as a representative union of its members. It would install 'professionals' instead of 'politicians'. It would make students an open market for any businessman out to make a quick buck. An STB responsible to students would be replaced by private enterprise responsible to profits. New business ventures ostensibly to bring students lower prices but in reality to give eager businessmen a monopoly over a prize market will also be set up by the family. Links with NZUSA, the national representative of university students would also be cut leaving VUWSA without the services of NZUSA's national officers, its co-ordination of national campaigns, and the solidarity of other student associations.

The Hay family is the only trend worth commenting on in this year's elections. Choice for most of the positions is fairly clear-cut and where it is not, the choice isn't exactly varied.

Woman Vice-President looks like being the only contest of interest where Rae Stazengarb, from behind the bar at SASRAC, will be competing with Leonie Morris, a second year student, with a firm stand on women's rights. Rae has the advantage of exposure but Leonie will take the vote of those who believe that a Woman Vice-President should be active over women is issues before being active over organising socials.

However, more important voting the voting for next year's executive for left-wing students is building up a strong SRC in 1976 so that whatever executive is in office is made accountable to students. This is an important function of SRC and is more important these days with increased honoraria for executive members tending to attract the wrong sort of people and the wrong sort of attitude. Executive can do nothing but follow the directives of a strong SRC. Stephen Hay has made it plain what could happen with a weak SRC.

Bruce Robinson

Gyles Beckford

President

For too long the Students' Association his drifted with no clear idea where it is going. The time has come for the "I don't care" attitude to stop. The Association and the Executive cannot remain hidden in the Union Building. If elected President I would see it as my duty and the duty of the executive to go into the classrooms and all over the campus to work for students. Meetings of the Association should be held where the members are and not where they are thought to be. Only then can the Association begin to formulate the priorities which have been lacking.

To my mind some of the priorities are a reorganisation of the Union Management Committee and a doing away with many of the petty bureaucratic bodies which seem to grow and grow. At the same time students must make the major decisions with regards to the Union and the catering services for which they are paying good money.

There is also a need to decide on possible extensions to the Union so that the building fund which gobbles up $8 from each member can be used to benefit all and not left to waste under poor University management or to cover appalling catering losses.

We must also look at ways in which Association money can be better used. I would hope that in 1976 an Accomodation Trust could be established so that the Association can start to build its own flats and houses. This year student money has been used to put on social functions and this should continue on a regular basis with as much variety as possible.

These are some of the priorities which I see as being necessary. However the decision must be that of everyone who pays $30 Students' Association fee. As President, I would continue to strive for a better deal on Student Housing and vacation jobs as well as special counselling for overseas students who are still neglected and left to do battle with government departments with little or no help But most of all I would strive to make the Association a body which was known to and run by all its members.

Stephen Hay

Background - LLB graduate, now researching LLM; current and sometime member of various student committees.

Policy - introducing "specials" examinations, akin to Massey, so students failing a paper in the final year of a degree or professional course can sit another paper within 12 weeks of sitting the examination they failed.

- subsidising university creche (affecting 120 children) at least with an additional full-time supervisor.

- introducing a strict editorial policy for "Salient" so it becomes a newspaper for students, and less a paper for the editor - by insisting on an overall balance in the selection of articles so that no particular viewpoints are exclusively presented.

- no "politicking" except in matters affecting students directly.

- stopping Studass payments to outside pressure groups.

- ambitious financial policy using trustee investments and restoring to Studass the powers of investment of all its income.

- cutting NZUSA links but retaining Student Travel arrangements (either with NZUSA or at VUW) using the levies paid to NZUSA ($8,580) for student purposes here. This permits VUW an independent viewpoint on all issues and lets it accomodate individual student opinion.

- improving the cafeteria - reducing the rental payable by management, cutting selection apart from meals -both permitting price reductions -and preferring students over outside staff in employment.

Ian Westbrooke

At present, with increasing dissatisfaction in University and beyond, students have been actively expressing desire for change - on issues from racism to assessment. The President should play a leading role initiating action around such issues. As a Young Socialist, I have been involved in such issues since 1971, including anti-war, antiapartheid and bursary actions.

The bursaries issue is an example of why we need such a President. Following two years "negotiations", the biggest student actions for years were organised, calling for a standard tertiary bursary (STB). These marches showed the impact of action - soon government announced STB proposals. Although penny-pinching, they represented a victory. But we needed further actions - to gain our full demands.

What did Beckford and Co. do? They opposed further action, and organised no discussion or forums on the question.

This student body needs people who want to, and know how to, involve students in action. The Young Socialists are such activists - currently we are organising the Socialist Action Election Campaign, challenging the Labour Government on its own record.

If you want the VUWSA to campaign for women's rights, for student control of assessment, for solidarity with oppressed people here and overseas: Vote for the Young Socialist Candidates.

Mike Curtis

Treasurer

I am standing for treasurer for the third time unopposed but must obtain over 50% of the votes cast to be elected.

I will not make any rash election promises that I cannot carry out. However I will continue to help run the two main projects I have been concerned with this year. The Food Co-op and Social Activities.

I cannot promise bigger and better piss-ups than this year. This promise can only be carried out by student attendance.

Peter Aagaard

Secretary

As accomodation officer on Executive, a considerable amount of my time has been tied up with administrative duties regarding the running of students association flats. This has en-abled me to gain a thorough working knowledge of the association office, which is vitally necessary, particularly since the peak period of student use is in February and March.

I have also benefitted from being on the Catering Sub-committee and the Standing Committee on student accomodation both in terms of committee experience and by obtaining an overall view of association affairs.

I see four major roles which a Secretary needs to fulfill: (1) co-ordination of executive activities; (2) liason between executive and students: informing them of executive activities; (3) working on mundane administrative duties which do not come under the jurisdiction of other officers. e.g. writing letters concerning enquiries for information from the public. (4) Paying attention to the overall running of the association and its office.

I will, if elected, work along with the SRC co-ordinator in ensuring that students through SRC play a major role in determining the policy and activities of both associations and executive.

Finally, aside from my interest in the Welfare and Accomodation fields, my main concern is to work towards lessening the depressively heavy work-loads which prevent students from enjoying a more active social life on and off campus.

Gillian Goodger

Woman Vice President

I have been actively involved in the women's rights movement since 1970. Since 1972 I have been particularly involved in the campaign to repeal anti-abortion laws, and more recently defence of the Auckland Medical Aid Centre, and opposition to what is now the "Wall Act."

I am running with Lois MacGreggor and Ian Westbrooke as a Young Socialist Candidate and give full support to their campaigns.

As a member of WONAAC I am currently working towards buildbig a 'Tribunal on Crimes Against Women" on September 20th, in the Union Hall, to commemorate Women's suffrage day and highlight the suffering of women due to the oppressive laws and practices which presently apply to abortion, contraception and sterilisation.

I support the extension of women's studies courses at University as a step towards a much needed revival of women's history.

In an effort to combat the effects of economic and social discrimination there should be a special bursary allowance for female students, creche facilities should be free and financed by the university.

There is a crying need to involve students in activity around women's rights issues within the university and for active support for the struggles of the women's movement.

Adrienne Hay

Background - Full-time BA student, majoring in history. Past member of various cultural and sports groups.

Policy - Extending the food Co-op to include the purchase of basic food, and toiletry lines to be sold at wholesale prices. This would start up with a few lines that have a high retail markup, for example, shampoo, soap-powder, and coffee. The very slight markup on these goods would enable the range to be extended without drawing on any more Studass funds after the initial outlay. This is to be housed in a permanent room a student's shop-where students would be able to buy and sell their wares.

Structuring of the Students' Association fee to take into account students who are not enrolled in full time courses.

More Studass financial assistance to the creche.

No student politicking, except where students are directly concerned and no no money to outside pressure groups.

Establishment of a clothes and accessories mart for students to buy sell and exchange goods.

Cleaning up and rearranging the cafe to regain the old feeling of community spirit.

Rae Mazengarb

3rd. year Arts/Law student.

I am standing for the position of WVP because I feel that the position, with no specific duties, affords plenty of scope for someone prepared to do some work. Past incumbents have tended not to devote as much time as I feel is necessary to fully justify the position. I do not intend to push extreme...feminist views as I do not see them as contributing greatly to our overall understanding of society. Rather I believe in equal opportunity for women in all sectors of society.

This year I have been involved in the organisation of social activities (Orientation, Capping, SASRAC) and would like to see an even better social programme next year. I also intend to assist the Cultural Affairs Officer especially with the running of Arts Council productions.

Other executives have often consisted of people pushing their own hobby horses. I feel it is time that the views of the ordinary student are represented on the executive.

Leonie Morris

Finally I feel I have both the time and the enthusiasm to work hard in the interest of students as a whole and women in particular

Andrew McKibbin

Man Vice President

Background - BCA student and member of various university and national organisations.

Policy - A shop selling a small range of commodities at near-wholesale prices. Studass funds would be required for the original purchases and this money would be repaid. The shop could also be used for the swopping of articles and the sale of home-made commodities. The shop would be open for a few well advertised hours daily.

Stephen Underwood

5th year Law/Commerce student.

The position of man's vice-president is not strictly defined for two reasons. It is a, position that enables the President to delegate work and also to assist other exec, members to carry out their jobs effectively. It also provides scope for an Exec member to give attention to any issues that may arise during the year.

This year my involvement with the Students' Association has largely been in the organisation of social activities. I believe these to be an integral part of university life and I have tried to hold as many such events as time would permit: e.g. Orientation, Capping and SASRAC. Should I receive the support of students in this election I will see it as a vote for the continuance and expansion of the social programme.

While students are interested in national and international issues, they are probably more concerned with those that affect them more directly. These include bursaries, accomodation investment and management of student money. If elected I would endeavour to ensure that students receive the best deal available in these and other areas.

Should any student wish to discuss the above or any other matters I am usually to be found in the Studass Office.

Previous experience: 1975 student rep on Union Management and the University Council.

Capping Controller, 1975.

John Henderson

Publications

The position of Publications Officer is recognised as being one of the most difficult of the Executive positions. It involves basic knowledge of student affairs and a wide understanding of publishing. After the resignation of Colin Feslier, I was appointed to the position of interim Publications Officer by the executive and have gained considerable experience. I feel this prior experience would be invaluable to me if elected.

The Publications Officer is expected to have a great knowledge of how a newspaper is produced and as Technical editor of Salient, responsible for the layout of the paper, I have this knowledge.

But there is more to it. The Publications Officer is a member of the Executive, and as such he must know what the executive does. I am also very experienced in this area, having been a member of many University Committees, a delegate to NZUSA May Council, having taken great interest in the campaign against foreign control and the anti-apartheid movement, and now Interim Publications Officer.

If elected Publications Officer, I will adopt, at all times, a "student-first" policy. In these times of division in the Publications Board, an experienced Publications Officer is necessary.

Stephen Lungley

I am standing for Publications Officer because no other member of the silent majority that supposedly dislikes student publications at the moment, has appeared. The only other member opposing the present incumbent, is, I am told, a member of a politically unattractive group to most students. I am therefore offering myself as an alternative to allowing dear John to keep the position by default.

It should be noted at this point that I know very little about what a Publications Officer should do, but this doesn't seem to have been a disadvantage to some recent holders of the office, so it shouldn't hinder me.

Another problem, perhaps of greater magnitude, is that I do not intend to be a member of the Students' Association next year, so, if elected, a by-election will be inevitable. I hope that if elected, it will encourage some other student with ideas about student publications to take the office. In any case, a substantial vote for me, would perhaps indicate to John and the present editor of Salient that their political approach does not enjoy complete support among the student majority.

There will be no photos or public appearances as I am a naturally shy person.

Lois Macgregor

I am a first year student and have Keen active in the women's liberation movement and the Young Socialists since 1972. I am interested in many aspects of publication, and have experience in putting out and distributing publications: the most recent being the Young Socialist magazine which I have had a major role in producing.

I think that student publications need a change in direction. All student groups, regardless of politics or culture are entitled to have their views printed in their publications. If this policy is taken up, it will encourage greater student participation. For example the present editor of Salient refuses to give any coverage to the activities of the Young Socialists, which has discouraged us from submitting material.

Our publications should cover issues relating to women; I will encourage coverage of the feminist movement.

The Young Socialist candidates in this election are running on a programme of involving students in action on political issues such as abortion rights. Our Students' Association needs publications which relate to the concerns of students, exposing the injustices and hypocrisies of this society. But further our publications should be available for students to use for organising protests against oppression and degradation.

Sports

Peter Thrush

(No photograph or manifesto supplied)

Kevin Wright

It was a difficult decision me to put my name forward for exec again this year, mainly due to the activities of several neurotic nutters I have had to work with but with a bit of luck they may find some other way to satisfy their egotistical whims next year.

The decision on the gymnasium southern extensions will probably be made next week.

Most clubs on campus are doing okay. Next year I hope to encourage more people to get into sport of some sort and will try to get Pubs Board to have a paid sports reporter.

One of the problems on exec is a lack of feedback from anybody except the people who want more social life on campus. This year I have encouraged and helped things like rock concerts and Steins.

Each year with the Students' Association becoming more business oriented I see a need for people on exec with a knowledge of management planning and control systems. If we get our building fund out of the University we will have more than $¼ million to invest next year (If the gym extensions have not started) Who are you going to entrust it to?

Scott Wilson

Accomodation

I am a third year student. I have been involved in accomodation activities since 1973, firstly as an active member of TPA's Wellington branch, then as president of VUWTPA. during 1974. I am currently involved in TPA giving counselling services and would be prepared to extend such services to students.

As Accomodation Officer it would be my policy to support the aquisition of suitable flats and houses by the Students' Association as an alternative to financial investments. I support the policies of Wellington City Council of aquiring inner city residential accomodation and feel that those houses in the area of the University should be made available for student occupation. I am opposed to the building of large and segregated student barns of the Weir House type, favouring aquisition of the many old large houses in the Kelburn area as student accomodation.

If elected I would make myself regularly available for consultation concerning tenancy problems and would endeavour to alleviate accomodation shortages.

Anne Dwyer

Cultural

Vote for me to preserve your sanity!!