Students Welcome Engagement with StudyLink - Shows in Better Performance
16 April 2014
The New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations (NZUSA) has welcomed the improved performance from StudyLink in 2014.
There is no doubt that getting their loans and allowances processed on time makes it easier for students to concentrate
on being students.
“We are appreciative of how well StudyLink have listened to us. They have been responsive and adapted their practices in
response to the feedback from students we have been able to provide,” said Daniel Haines, President of the New Zealand
Union of Students’ Associations.
“In 2013 students faced significant problems and delays. Since then we have worked extremely closely with StudyLink. To
their absolute credit, they have heard and heeded the student voice,” said Haines.
“We recommended setting a date to give students some certainty, we promoted the date to students, we recommended
improvements to practices, including to systems, and everything that StudyLink could could manage within their resources
was implemented.
“We realise that we could have been on the outside throwing stones and complaining, but students’ interests are better
served by our getting involved and helping to make positive change. It is a credit to the Minister, Chester Borrows and
Susan Kosmala and her team at StudyLink that they have been open to our approaches. It’s not the case with all agencies
or Ministers.
“We, and StudyLink, are aware that there’s still work to do, and that implementing some of our suggestions are still
works-in-progress. We are continuing to work closely alongside StudyLink, while they keep listening we know that we will
continue to see improvements.”
ENDS