Association fights bill

The Albany Students’ Association is fighting a private members bill that could see their union losing membership.

Massey University’s student group is talking to students about the Freedom of Association Amendment bill that would make membership voluntary.

Association president Rawa Karetai says they are lobbying MPs and getting submissions to the select committee in an attempt to stop the bill getting through.

Mr Karetai fears a significant drop in membership after looking at trade unions that lost members when joining became voluntary.

The bill would also remove the option for students to put membership fees on their student loans, he says.

Associate Education Minister Heather Roy says student groups are amassing large pools of money from their guaranteed income and there is no accountability for how the money is used.

"I would ask Heather Roy to come and have a look at our annual reports," says Mr Karetai.

"They are all audited and auditors are happy with them, as are the students."