Govt. Consider Flood Affected Tertiary Students

ATSA National Office

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: 23 February 2003

Attention Education and Political Reporters

Government must consider flood affected tertiary students.

While the current Labour led government considers a relief package provided to those directly affected by the recent weather. The Aotearoa Tertiary Students Association (ATSA) calls on the government to consider the impact these events are having on families supporting tertiary students.

“Many parents from the worst affected areas such as the Manawatu, Taranaki and Hawke's Bay, who have sons and daughters in tertiary education will be unable to provide financial assistance,” ATSA President Julie Pettett says, “Because of bizarre policy that sees students as financially dependent on their parents’ until they reach 25 years of age, many of the seriously affected students will not be able to receive allowances.” says Pettett.

The recent floods will affect the ability of many parents to provide any assistance.

“The government must consider some sort of relief for families who have children in tertiary education,” says Pettett. “This is a critical time for tertiary students many of whom will be incurring all sorts of costs, such as tuition fees, course materials, travel and accommodation. says Pettett.

“Should the government not provide relief for tertiary students whose families were affected by the floods, then students could be forced to visit food-banks, borrow or even withdraw from their studies.” concludes Pettett.

ENDS

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