We are passionate about the environment here at MUSA - so what about this passion eh?

A few points to note on what your MUSA is doing to help the environment

1. "Trees for Students" - a partnership between MUSA, The Green Hub, Halls community Group and Pitt Park Group. This year will be the 3rd for Trees for Students, so far we have planted over 1300 native trees down at Pitt Park. When the date is confirmed for this year we will plug it online so that you, your friends and family can come down to help plant. When the planting is on, you can certainly feel the energy so keep an eye out.
2. Recycling in the workplace. Anything that we can recycle - we recycle.
3. Supporting local community initiatives/groups. MUSA has a strong relationship with the Palmerston North Green Bike Trust and Green Hub Trust, this is reflected in both "Trees for Students" and bike to Massey Breakfast events. MUSA are also assisting with A Greener Way 2011 with Radio Control supporting the stage!
4. When travelling out of Palmy for conferences/events - we aim to use public transport when avalible, ride sharing where we can.

If you have any other ideas on how MUSA can be more environmentally friendly contact Alex Jones today!

K. 

Wednesday 16 March saw the relaunch of Thursdays in Black for 2011. Every Thursday people around the world are invited to wear black as a symbol of strength and courage, representing our solidarity with victims of violence, demanding a world without rape and violence.

Wearing black on Thursday’s indicates that you are tired of putting up with rape and violence in your community. It demonstrates a desire for a community where we can all walk safely without fear of being beaten up, verbally abused, raped, of being discriminated against due to your sexual orientation, political affiliation, gender or ethnicity.

The campaign focuses on ways that individuals can challenge attitudes that cause rape and violence. It reinforces at both a personal and public level that there is something wrong with a world that will allow the human rights of women, men and children to be abused and threatened. It provides an opportunity for people to become part of a worldwide movement which enables the despair and pain and anger about rape and other forms of violence to be transformed into political action.

Thursdays in Black extends beyond its traditional heritage now to encompass a wide range of areas, including not only rape and violence, but also discrimination, homophobia, verbal and psychological abuse and any actions that make a person feel threatened or unsafe. The statistics point to the fact that people are becoming more aware of the existence of these actions, Thursdays is Black is a call to stand up, and to take responsibility.

So what can you do? Firstly, wear Black on Thursdays. It really is that simple. A symbolic gesture that shows unity, solidarity and support. Secondly, If you are one of those people who has been effected by rape, violence or discrimination – and most importantly if it is still going on – seek help. This Wednesday there will be opportunities to talk to service providers who will be on campus. These service exist in the wider community, and they exist throughout the country. Help is available. It takes courage to ask for help. It takes courage to stand up and say “This is happening, I need support”. From both sides, the victim and the perpetrator. Help is here for anyone who is willing or able to ask for it.

 If you would like any information either before or after the event please contact Kyle Willoughby, MUSA Vice President Welfare either on (06) 350 5992 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

by Kyle Willoughby

2011 is going to be a big year for New Zealand tertiary study. There are going to be a number of big issues talked about over the next twelve months which will have a major impact on study for a number of people.

MUSA, the Massey University Student Association, is in essence your Student driven support network. Alongside the Education support, there is considerable support provided from a welfare point of view by the VP Welfare position and the MUSA Advocacy team.

The role of VP Welfare is – as the name suggests – focussed on student welfare. Some of the key responsibilities include: MUSA Flats, Release of Contract committee, Thursdays in Black and a whole bunch of committees that help you, the student out in various ways. Don’t panic if those don’t mean much to you at present, over the coming weeks we’ll be going more in depth as to what this all means.

Probably one of the most important contacts to be aware of though is the MUSA Advocacy Service. The Advocacy service is perhaps the most heavily utilised of the services available. MUSA is extremely fortunate to have the skills and experience of Dave Broderick as the MUSA advocate. Dave has had considerable experience working with students of all ages, in all walks of life. He is here to help you, and trust me, he’s damn good at it.

The Advocacy service is there to provide support in all manner of events. For example, if you’re having issues with a landlord, or you need advice on dealing with the halls administration. If it’s simply just a case of you need someone to ask the question “what the hell do I do now?” Dave is your ideal first point of contact.

As with all the services available, any enquiry made to the Advocacy service – and to myself – are all treated in the strictest confidence. Bottom line, we are here to help. Please feel free to come and talk to either Dave or Myself at any stage, no appointment necessary. Bribes of coffee are appreciated though (Just sayin….)

If you want to get a hold of Dave, or anyone else on the MUSA team you can either:

- Come up to the MUSA reception area, up the stairs between the MUSA lounge and the MUSA shop

- Email either This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Remember, we are a part of your student experience. We are here for you, and we’re here to help.

Oh, and Dave likes a Cappuccino, chocolate on top.