Student leaders are bracing themselves for the hardship that many students are doomed to face this summer as a
consequence of government cutbacks to the Emergency Unemployment Benefit in 1998.
Since the changes, only a third of students are eligible for the Community Wage. Last summer in the Auckland region,
only 9500 of 15000 registered job seekers were able to find work. As a result, two thirds of the jobless were without
any means of financial support as during the summer period students are unable to draw on Student Loans. For the first
time the Auckland University Students’ Association was required to establish a foodbank.
Despite the obvious hardship experienced by students due to these cutbacks, the government has not planned any
improvements to the system. “This exemplifies the governments attitude to students which has seen numerous funding cuts,
exorbitant interest on student loans and the refusal to provide a universal living allowance,” said co-education vice
president Eva Neitzert.
“However, as we are now in a voluntary student union environment the financial situation is such that it will be very
difficult to run the food bank this summer. Donations of money or food are urgently needed in order to have the foodbank
up and running by the 22nd of November,” continued Ms Neitzert.
“The government continues to cut taxes for the wealthy when it is clear that government is not fulfilling its’
commitment to the community. This is but one example of the many neglected needs within our society,” concluded Ms
Neitzert.
Contact:
Eva Neitzert 309 0789 x 204 or 021 665 139
Co-Education Vice President
e.neitzert@auckland.ac.nz