Immediate Action Demanded
Otago Polytechnic Students’ Association welcomes the announcement local MP, Pete Hodgson, has been appointed as the new
Minister for Tertiary Education.
“Labour has made many promises about improving the state of the tertiary education sector and improving the situation
for students, and students look forward to Labour delivering on them” said Richard Mitchell, OPSA President.
However, he warns Mr Hodgson that more needs to be done, and needs to be done quickly.
A recently released Inland Revenue Department report highlighted that average borrowing of students had increased with
499,259 New Zealanders now owing a massive $9.4 billion.
“With ever increasing levels of student debt and decreasing financial support for students, we look to the minister to
address these issues and give students what they rightfully need”, says Mr Mitchell.
OPSA urges the new Minister for Tertiary Education to introduce a fee-free public tertiary education system with no
financial barriers to participation, and a universal student allowance so students do not have to borrow simply to eat.
ends