Otago Polytechnic Backs Living Allowance
Otago Polytechnic Council today endorsed a NZUSA petition to establish a universal student allowance. “Otago Polytechnic
Council’s unanimous support of a living allowance for all students shows great understanding of the severe issues facing
many students” said OPSA President, Rachel Dibble.
“With Council and community support there is a clear message to the government that student debt is unacceptable.” The
petition is part of a national campaign seeking to gain living allowances for all tertiary students. Currently less than
a third of full-time students are eligible for the student allowance, “others are forced to borrow simply to eat and pay
rent” said Ms Dibble. The upcoming budget will be telling.
“ With student debt rapidly approaching $7b this may be the government’s last chance to make a positive change and
rectify ten years of generational theft” said Ms Dibble.