This is an open letter to express concerns arising from the recent decision to host one-party workshops and
limiting the involvement of parties in upcoming election activities.

VUWSA has openly stated its goal and commitment to being a “non-partisan” organisation while still being
politically active. This is respectable; however, difficult to achieve, and something that should be conducted
with caution in a pre-election period. One-party workshops seem inconsistent with the “non-partisan”
objective of the organisation.

Free and fair discussion is an implausibility when only one party is present. It creates an atmosphere where
there are correct ideas and wrong ideas which can alienate students. Therefore, creating an environment
where students feel comfortable sharing their values and views should be a priority for the organisation. As
such, one goal should be to facilitate free and fair discussion about different political goals and organisations.
This is particularly crucial in an election year when youth involvement in politics is so important.

The use of Green Party candidates, the Green Party colours, Green Party research, and Green party linguistic
choice to advertise this event, can and does make the event easily mistakable as a Green party election
campaign event managed and organised by VUWSA, especially to students who are new to politics. It does not
have the appearance of an event that is managed and organised by VUWSA for the strict furtherment of
VUWSA’s own goals and ideals.

Fundamental to instilling institutional trust as a representation of the student body, VUWSA should be able to
explain reasonably and coherently:

• What political endorsement means to them: If this event is VUWSA acting as a non-partisan organisation that
  does not officially affiliate with, promote nor endorse a party or candidates, then they should be able to
  explain how and provide an example of a breach of this doctrine.

• The decision-making processes and procedures for determining that the decision to facilitate an event like this
  is appropriate in the election period, including any methods to ensure that this event is less likely to be seen
  and politically partisan.

• If they would commit to engaging with political parties, including using their language, colours, research,
  candidates, and MPs closer to the election date, for facilitating common goals.

VUWSA’s lacklustre response to these genuine concerns so far continues this trend of a lack of institutional
trust. If VUWSA continues to conduct these one-party workshops and hinder the involvement of parties,
VUWSA’s claim to “non-partisanship” should be disregarded. Such claims are dishonest to the many students
they represent. The following signatories support free and fair choice on campus and are happy to partner with
VUWSA for the maintenance of transparency as we get closer to the election.

Ngā mihi nui,

Young ACT Wellington Representative
Young TOP Representative