The release of the independent review of the processing of student loans by the Department of Work and Income has
indicated to student associations that much needed change to the systems of processing of loans is indeed on its way.
“The fiasco created by the then Work And Income New Zealand (WINZ) caused a lot of unnecessary stress, both emotionally
and financially for Maori students. We are pleased to see that our comments have been taken on board and that there will
be definite changes to the way that DWI administers the processing of student loans in the future”, announces Danica
Waiti, Kaituuhono for Te Mana Akonga, the National Maori University Students’ Association.
Key recommendations made in the report included:
A centralised call-centre supported by increased one-on-one access to DWI staff on campus,
Increased staff training to ensure that DWI staff understand enrolment procedures and basic fundamentals of tertiary
study, and
More co-operation and consultation with institutions and students to ensure that the loans processing system is
effective and efficient.
Some of the problems identified by Maori students in a survey undertaken by Te Mana Akonga (Inc.) back in April included
the continuous engagement of the WINZ helpline telephone number, numerous telephone calls placed on hold, and delays in
receiving paperwork. It was clearly identified that having a reliable and efficient WINZ staff member on campus with
on-line access to WINZ could have assisted students with small enquiries such as the status of their loans application
form.
“Maori students are one of the largest groups to undertake the student loans scheme. It is apparent that kanohi ki te
kanohi or the face-to-face approach works best with our people, and that includes Maori students. For government
departments such as DWI and others with a high number of Maori clientele, this needs to be taken into account”,
concludes Miss Waiti.
Contact: Danica Waiti
Ph 04 4982506 or 021 440 279