Open letter to TKR AUSA & WTR UOA

Kia ora koutou katoa,

Craccum magazine has been the voice of Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland’s students since 1927. Today, that voice is under threat. Funding cuts, censorship, and unpaid labour are putting our magazine—and the representation, opportunity, and perspective it carries—at risk.

We are calling on all students, clubs, associations, publications, alumni, and the wider community to stand with us. This isn’t just about a magazine—it’s about freedom of student expression, transparency in decision-making, and the right to be heard.

By signing our open letter, you are saying:

1. Student voices matter—they deserve fair funding and a seat at the table where decisions are made.
2. Editorial independence is essential—students must decide what their magazine publishes, free from interference.
3. Craccum is worth protecting—without it, the University loses a taonga vital for accountability, culture, and creative expression on campus.

If you care about student democracy, media diversity, and independent journalism, this is your chance to make a stand. The signatories below are issuing a demand to Te Rōpū Kahikatea – Auckland University Students' Association and Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland for the following:

1. Restore fair funding: Abandon the proposed budget cuts and reinstate Craccum Magazine’s funding in 2026 to pre-2025 levels (at least $150k), enabling its return as a weekly print publication. This commitment must be made in writing by AUSA and UOA to all current and future students.
2. Restore the Te Ao Māori Editor and Pasifika Editor as paid staff positions for 2026 and beyond, honouring Te Rōpū Kahikatea’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equitable representation in student media.
3. Protect editorial freedom: Immediately repeal the 2024 changes to Part VIII Section 45 (“Editorial Independence”) of the AUSA constitution. A version of the pre-2024 clause should be reinstated: “The Editor(s) of Craccum shall have complete editorial independence to produce, procure and authorise the inclusion of any content in any issue of Craccum Magazine that they deem fit, insofar as it is consistent with these Rules.”
4. Financial Independence: the establishment of a bank account for Craccum to arrange its own advertising revenue to supplement funding for operational expenses.

Ngā mihi nui,

Craccum Magazine

This open letter has been endorsed by the following organisations:

We await TKR AUSA & WTR UOA's response...