As requested, Satellite has posted the right of reply as written by Education Vice President, Annie Zhang. Whilst Satellite likes to think it is an impartial body, we realise that not everyone has the same opinion:
In response to ASA Satellite Editor’s article regarding last week’s executive meeting, I wish to share my side of the story. The executive had a two hour meeting last Wednesday, of which 35 minutes consisted of Sophia’s presentation about NZUSA. Sophia’s speech discussed the history of NZUSA and its relevance to student’s associations in New Zealand. I enthusiastically asked many questions throughout the presentation. I was particularly interested in NZUSA’s stance on the difference in student loans and student allowance threshold entitlements, and NZUSA’s relationship with the various political parties in currently in government and asked questions on these topics. Sophia raised the importance of ASA’s involvement with NZUSA due to the government’s possible change to a voluntary student membership payment system of student associations. I am interested in Sophia’s topic, how could I have displayed “blatant lack of respect” while I am interested in the topic?
I believe that I did not disrespect the speaker Sophia at last week’s executive meeting. It is definitively not “blatant lack of respect” in meetings of this length of time in the evening for people to have small movements in a room, such as smiling, and shown other small gestures once. Sometimes you are not even aware of what you are doing, they just happen.
I definitely did not disrespect the speaker at last week’s executive meeting. I absolutely disagree with the article and think it has the intent to stir trouble rather than improve the performance of executive meetings.
Annie Zhang
Friday 7th August 2009