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

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