• “(2) Tertiary education providers must make space available in their enrolment forms, at no cost, so prospective students can indicate whether they want to join the students association of that institution.”

“229AB Referendum on voluntary membership

• “(1) The passing of this legislation triggers a referendum at each tertiary education provider with a students association.

  “(2) The referendum will ask students to decide whether the subsequent changes in this legislation should take effect.

  “(3) The referendum must be run by tertiary education providers and ballots must be made available to all enrolled students as at 1 March 2012.

  “(4) If the referendum results in—

  • “(a) more than 50% of students voting to retain the status quo, the provisions inserted by the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Act 2011 are repealed:

  • “(b) more than 50% of students voting to move to voluntary student membership, the provisions inserted by the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Act 2011 remain in force.”

• “(3A) In relation to subsection (3)(b), on campuses where students associations are present, tertiary education providers must give preference and fair treatment to students associations when tendering contracts to provide the following services:

  • “(a) student welfare services:

  • “(b) student advocacy services:

  • “(c) academic representation:

  • “(d) student media:

  • “(e) student disability support.”

“229CB Payment of fees

• Membership fees to join a students association will be paid for as part of the New Zealand student loan scheme.”