About OPSA
Otago Polytechnic Students’ Association (OPSA) is an independent organisation within the Polytechnic and is run by students for students.
OPSA promotes and supplies services, facilities and amenities for students and also represents their views & concerns while promoting the advancement of education.
OPSA provides student support & representation services like advocacy, complaints resolution, a class representative network, access to financial assistance and advice. If we can’t help there’s a good chance we will put you in contact with someone who can.
Read our PDF book about OPSA's history
OPSA Constitution and Minutes
OPSA is an Incorporated Society with Charitable Status. To read our constitution please get in contact with us. For a copy of OPSA’s meeting agendas and minutes please contact Lesley Scoullar Secretary.
Get Involved & Campaigns
Public Transport
Over the last decade OPSA and OUSA have worked with the Regional Council, and routes and timetables have been improved to better meet the needs of Polytechnic students, and we are grateful for these.
OPSA lobbied for a more affordable bus service, and from 2014 students can get a 25% student discount on Dunedin buses when using a GoCard
Thursdays in Black
Wearing black on Thursdays indicates that you have a desire for a community where we can all walk safely without fear of being beaten-up, verbally abused, raped, discriminated against because of your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. It shows that you want to be free.
Thursdays in Black T-shirts are for sale from OPSA office.
Accommodation
While there are many great flats out there, sadly some of Dunedin’s rental housing stock is not suitable for its usage. You should be aware what you’re really signing up for.
Dunedin landlords and renters have a free system available to give flats a standardised rating (based on an idea OPSA presented to the DCC in 2004), allowing renters to better know what they’re signing up for. Check all the flats on your next year’s list to see which flat is really best - Student Tenancy Accommodation Rating Scheme.
If you have a specific problem with your current flat contact OPSA if you need help or advice dealing with your landlord.