20-year-old communications graduate living in the Waikato, New Zealand. Currently working in internal communications at a technology company in Hamilton. Sharing what I'm learning and contemplating weekly––often related to happiness, productivity, and making the most of our lives.
I really care about our mighty University. Over the past couple of years, I’ve come to really identify with this place. I feel a great sense of belonging here.
Unfortunately, there have been a number of occasions during my time at Waikato where the spotlight has been put on us, usually for something controversial our Vice-Chancellor has said or done.
Sometimes the criticism is valid, other times it’s not, but every time it hurts our communities' mana.
Back in June last year, the University was in the news for paying former National Party Minister Steve Joyce nearly $1 million for lobbying and consultancy, while “not having the money” to offer fair salary increases to staff.
The Auditor-General of New Zealand, who gives Parliament and the public an independent view of how public organisations are operating and spending taxpayers' money, became aware of the procurement (agreement/contract) and had some questions.
The letter was scathing, and also highly irregular. It is not usual for an Auditor-General to put out an open letter to a state sector organisation like this.
It turns out that the Vice-Chancellor directly procured Steven Joyce’s services, with no engagement with any other potential supplier. With his authority, he waived provisions of the procurement policy to do this.
“Where there has been a direct procurement like this, and one that to date has cost well over $1 million of public money, we would expect to see a clear and documented reason for the services that were needed, why the provider who has been selected was the only or best placed provider to deliver those services, and why the amount paid to the provider was appropriate”, the Auditor-General wrote.
Shockingly, no formal record, business case or procurement plan exists. Without this analysis, “the public may speculate about the reasons why a provider was selected, the amount paid, and whether it was appropriate.”
“In this case the University does not seem to appreciate that it is accountable to Parliament and the public for whether it has followed appropriate processes when spending public money.”, the Auditor-General wrote.
The Vice-Chancellor is getting publicly told off, big time.
The Auditor-General’s office asked the University to provide a full explanation of the work done by the contractor, but were told by the University “it was not considered necessary or appropriate to do so”.
“Although we received subsequent confirmation that there was no further information to provide, I remain concerned at the initial response.”, the Auditor-General wrote.
This is huge. The Auditor-General saying they “remain concerned” is significant.
An organisation spending public money should be able, and willing, to explain what that money has been spent on. Saying ‘it’s none of your business where we spend the public money’ sure is concerning.
Some believe the refusal of the Vice-Chancellor to provide the Auditor-General with the information he requested shows contempt for one of the country's highest authorities.
The University has now spent over $1.1 million on Joyce, and the Auditor-General understands his work is ongoing. While much of Joyce’s work could have been valuable (who knows), it’s hard to look past the dodgy procurement process and circumstances around it.
“When a Vice Chancellor uses his power, as the Auditor General puts it, “to put the usual [procurement] processes to one side” then as a consequence he puts the university’s integrity and reputation at risk.”, TEU Waikato Branch Organiser Shane Vugler says.
Situations like these are disappointing to me. They paint a bad picture of our little University from around the country. While I try to be optimistic and give people the benefit of the doubt, much like the Vice-Chancellor's letter of support for rapist James Wallace, this situation leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
I'm 12 days into the Walk the Talk challenge and I've exercised for 706 minutes so far! This week, I played Netball, Spikeball, and did a couple of gym sessions.
I'm moving my body intentionally for at least 31 minutes each day of the 31 days of May, as young people reaching out to Youthline for support spend an average of 31 minutes speaking with a Youthline counsellor.
I've signed up to Walk the Talk to raise funds to support Youthline's 24/7 Helpline, ensuring that young people have access to life-saving mental health support when they need it most.
🚿 Hot Showers - Sheesh, it's been chilly this week! It's been so nice to have a hot shower before bed or in the mornings - especially when it's 0° outside and not much warmer inside. Such a simple thing we take for granted. The modern electric shower did not become common until the 1960s. Billions of people who lived before us never experienced a hot shower. Many people living today still don't have access to hot showers. I'm trying to practice more gratitude for simple privileges like this - we're lucky.
🔭 Aurora - A rare geomagnetic storm, the result of billions of tons of plasma exploding from the surface of the Sun and towards Earth, created vivid colourful skies around the world yesterday, including New Zealand! I'm sure you saw it on everyones Instagram stories. The last time there was such a strong storm was in 2003. Pretty crazy stuff. The universe is wild.
Photo by MATTHEW DAVISON/Stuff NZ
📺 Interview - Have you watched Baby Reindeer yet? The story follows Richard Gadd's warped relationship with a female stalker and the impact it has on him as he is ultimately forced to face a deep trauma. I have been fascinated by the story and the conversation unfolding around it. Gadd and Netflix say it's a true story - not just based on a true story. But people online found the actual stalker the show is about, and this week, she went on TV for a 50 minute interview to deny all the claims. It is incredible to watch.
🎶 Music - Here's some songs I've been loving this week.
✍🏻 Quote.
"If you stumble at the start of a sprint, you’re likely going to lose the race. But if you stumble at the start of a marathon, it makes no difference. All that matters is that you’ve begun running."
20-year-old communications graduate living in the Waikato, New Zealand. Currently working in internal communications at a technology company in Hamilton. Sharing what I'm learning and contemplating weekly––often related to happiness, productivity, and making the most of our lives.
