MEDIA RELEASE Date: 13 June 02 Attention: Education Reporters For Immediate Release
Enrolment and Exams Don’t Mix
The Aotearoa Tertiary Students’ Association (ATSA) has begun a publicity campaign aimed at getting tertiary students to
enrol in time for next month’ s general election. Election rolls will be closed on June 25th.
The timing of the snap election gives only two weeks for voters to get on the electoral roll. “This is especially
difficult for students who are right in the middle of exams,” said Julie Pettett, ATSA President.
“Students and their families need to look carefully at the tertiary education policies of all political parties and use
their votes wisely,” continued Pettett. “If we are not vigilant, students stand in real danger of losing what small
gains they have received over the last three years.”
Of particular concern is the risk that Labour will gain a stand-alone majority. Pettett stated that if this were to
occur, she would be concerned that many social initiatives driven through by the Alliance and Greens would suddenly
become less important in the new government’s eyes.
“I cannot emphasise strongly enough the need for all eligible students to get onto the electoral roll,” Pettett
concluded. “Student financial support has remained a low priority for Labour. Students need to ensure that there is some
real backbone and integrity in the next government. This can only be done by making sure that Labour governs in
partnership with other parties. Get out there and enrol, and don’t delay.”
ENDS
For further comment, contact: Julie Pettett ATSA National President Cell phone 029 939 1417