Otago University Student’s Association (OUSA) president Edwin Darlow hopes to improve the image and relevance of the OUSA and find a practical solution to the problems associated with the Undie 500. Photo by Michelle McCullough.
Mr Darlow has some major goals in mind for 2009. ‘‘I would like to focus on the reputation and relevance of the OUSA, and increase the participation of our membership. I would like to target first-years.''
‘‘At the moment we are not in contact with our membership because we don't have a contact list. One of my major goals would be to get a contact list off the university so when we do have something relevant to students [we can contact them].''
Mr Darlow (24), who is originally from Christchurch, has a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a Graduate Diploma in Tourism.
He believes the biggest hurdle for students in 2009 will be financial. He said while most of the lobbying about student loans was carried out by the New Zealand Union of Students Associations (NZUSA), the OUSA would still be doing its bit on behalf of students.
‘‘Student debt is expected to reach $11 billon this year. A lot of that [lobbying] is done on a national scale by the NZUSA but there are a lot of things we can do to contribute.''
Mr Darlow is keen to find a solution to the problems associated with the Undie 500, which was a factor in his decision to run for the OUSA presidency.
‘‘Back in 2006 when I was in America [on a year-long exchange to Santa Barbara], it was the only bit of news to get in from New Zealand.
‘‘It was the only time I was not proud to say I was from Otago University.''
So far, Mr Darlow has found his new role as OUSA president tiring but enjoyable.
‘‘It's taken a while to sink in but it's feeling a lot more real and I have really enjoyed it. It's a bit of a privilege and it's a bit humbling.''