Otago Student Union Executives Accept Pay Cuts After Missing Hour Targets

Seven members of the Otago University Students' Association executive took pay cuts in the third quarter of 2026.

The reduction in honorariums followed a review of work hours submitted by each leader. President Daniel Leamy noted the group paid attention to the fact that students fund their salaries. He stated, "These pay reductions reflect the Executive's commitment to collective accountability. We are constantly aware that, at the end of the day, we are paid with student money, and there are expectations that come with each Executive role. Pay decisions are not made lightly and demonstrate the Executive taking its responsibilities seriously in a fair and constructive way."

This marks the first instance of pay cuts for the group in 2026. In 2025, seven executives faced reductions, typically between 10% and 15%. The cuts this year are deeper but fewer in number. The executive described the previous year's adjustments as a write-off to distinguish the current actions.

Leaders are required to work specific hours where practicable, alongside general duties and portfolio tasks. Sickness and family issues factored into the final decisions.

Daniel Leamy, the President, averaged 40.54 hours against a 40-hour target. He attended at least 16 committees and appeared in local media regarding hybrid governance and the university bookshop. Kamesha Jones, the Administrative Vice President, reported 19.95 hours against a 20-hour requirement, or 27 hours if the mid-year break is excluded. She admitted that many of her annual goals were sidetracked or quashed during a difficult quarter.

Rihana Warsame, the Welfare and Equity Representative, averaged 10.7 hours against a 20-hour target. She received a 25% pay cut, the smallest reduction in the group. Warsame attributed the lower hours to time spent away and the difficulty of working remotely across time zones. Fergus Parks, the Postgraduate Representative, averaged 5.32 hours against a 10-hour target and received a 30% pay cut, the deepest of the quarter.

Ella-Mary Sangster, the Clubs and Societies Representative, reported 4.31 hours against a 10-hour target. Her yearly average stands at 8.48 hours. She cited medical reasons for moving some tasks and achieved an informal club calendar for events. Zoe Eckhoff, the Residential Representative, averaged 7.83 hours against a 10-hour target. Flynn Nisbett, the Political Representative, averaged 9.14 hours against a 10-hour target, with a yearly average of 11.96 hours.

The executive has months remaining in its term. Leamy will focus on student engagement and general election enrollment. Jones aims to increase student engagement. Warsame hopes to launch the Otago Disabled Students' Association next year. Wijekoon will push for a split of the Academic Rep role and better lecture attendance. Gibbons is preparing the budget for the annual general meeting. Eckhoff is developing a green sticker campaign for flats. Nisbett will continue coordinating with other student associations on fees and placements. Parks supports a proposal to repaint the postgraduate role into an Academic Officer.