NZUSA - NEW ZEALAND UNION OF STUDENTS' ASSOCIATIONS

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Repayments start too low, demand too much. The New Zealand Union of Students� Associations has condemned the increase in the student loan repayment rates announced by Stephen Joyce as starting too low and demanding too much from graduates. �New Zealand graduates already make payments from a level of income below any other income-contingent loans scheme in the world; the rate of payment proposed will now also be higher than is demanded anywhere else,� said Pete Hodkinson, President of the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations.	application/pdf 189.2KB
Cutting Allowances Short - Sighted Cuts to allowances are short-sighted and is likely to have long-term negative implications for New Zealand�s society and economy, according to the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations.	application/pdf 191.6KB
Tax Cuts for Wealthy to be Paid for by Tax Increase for Graduate Reports that Prime Minister John Key wishes to increase the repayment rate on student loan borrowers has been slammed by the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations as a tax increase on graduates to pay for a blow-out in the tax-cuts that the government gave to the wealthy.	application/pdf 188.5KB
Reducing Loan Threshold Beyond the Pale The New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA) is alarmed at the suggestion that the threshold for loan repayments might decrease, as suggested yesterday by Tertiary Education Minister Stephen Joyce.	application/pdf 189.6KB
Close the Gaps - Loans and Allowances The National Government was elected in 2008 promising to close the gap with Australia. Four years in, there�s instead been a widening disparity. As the final touches are put to the 2012 Budget, student leaders are pointing to loans and allowances as an obvious place to start. This comes amidst reports that some of New Zealand�s best students are already taking advantage of Australia�s better resourced institutions and student conditions to study, perhaps never to return.	application/pdf 208.9KB
15% of students are under absolute Financial stress 15% of students are under absolute Financial Sress according to The Extended Baseline Report of the Graduate Longitudinal Study whcih was released this month	application/pdf 220.1KB
Interest - Free Loans: Bad Economics, or Smart Investment? Prime Minister John Key said last week that the Government had plans to reign in the student loan scheme " in a big way", but committed to keeping loans interest free, stating that the scheme was politically popular, even if it "may not be great economics".	application/pdf 193.8KB
Borrowing to Live Unfair and Reduces Nation's Productivity As students arrive at campuses around the coutnry, facing significant costs throughout the year ahead, the New Zealand Union of Students Associations is providing a timely reminder of the injustice that sees students as the only group in society expected to borrow to live	application/msword 412.5KB
Welcome to New Students - But take a look around A new university academic year begins and the New Zealand Union of Students Associations welcomes thousands of new students to campuses around the country	application/pdf 165.7KB
Atmosphere of change at NZUSA Workshops Student representatives from throughout the country gathered at the Massey Wellington campus for training and policy development and to plan collective student activities for the year ahead. The workshops were a resounding success and included an address by each of the Minister of Tertiary Education, the Hon Steven Joyce, and Deputy Labour Leader and Spokesperson for Tertiary Education, Grant Robertson.	application/pdf 151.9KB
NZUSA Workshops kick off The workshops bring together 50 student representatives from throughout the country five training and policy developments and to plan collective activities for the year ahead	application/pdf 160.1KB
Treasury BiM out of Touch The Briefing to the Incoming Minister released today by Treasury shows a Department out of touch with both public opinion and the advice and actions of governments internationally.	application/pdf 164.1KB
NZUSA Notice of Election Attached is notice for the elections for the positions of NZUSA President and the National Women�s Rights Officer. Job descriptions are attached. The due date for CVs to the Returning Officer is November 15, and the election on November 30.	application/pdf 418.6KB
Nov 4 - Maori Party tertiary policy offers positive solutions fo The release of the Maori Party�s tertiary policy in its manifesto demonstrates a commitment to the value and importance of education to both the country and our citizens, and will be welcomed by those in favour of improved student support and direct methods to address mounting student debt.	application/pdf 157KB
Nov 3 - NZUSA supports �Reject Youth Unemployment� coalition NZUSA is pleased to be a founding member of the Reject Youth Unemployment coalition, to be launched this afternoon. The aim of the coalition and campaign is to bring a community and youth voice to the issue of high youth unemployment and the lack of opportunities available for young people in New Zealand. Its purpose is to advocate for a stronger Government response to youth unemployment.	application/pdf 202.9KB
Nov 2 - $12 billion student debt a national liability The recent release of the Student Loan Scheme Annual Report 2011 comes on the back of student protests over of the rising cost of education, and provides official confirmation that total student loan debt now exceeds $12 billion, highlighting just what a liability the Student Loan Scheme has become for the country.	application/pdf 206.2KB
Oct 27 - Student voters to be better informed for the election Students will be better informed about the choices they will make in the upcoming General Election, thanks to a new guide produced by their national students� associations. One month out from the election, the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations has released the �Students� Guide to Voting 2011� online and in hard copy.	application/pdf 203.5KB
Oct 13 - NZUSA to hold Tertiary Education Forum Students nationwide will get a chance to grill the politicians on the issues that matter to them tomorrow afternoon	application/pdf 203.2KB
Oct 10 - Labour�s tertiary policy provides useful first steps NZUSA believes Labour�s tertiary education policy, announced late last week, provides some useful first steps towards a better tertiary system that properly supports students and ensures high quality education. However, it is disappointing to the goal of a universal allowance gone from their policy	application/pdf 202.9KB
Thank you for helping fight the VSM Bill "Dear supporters, We want to thank you for your ongoing support for the campaign to retain universal membership of students� associations. Last night ACT�s Bill was passed with 63 votes to 58. This is not the result we wanted and we are incredibly disappointed and appalled that the Bill went through in its current form..."	application/pdf 20.1KB
Sep 28 - Campaign to Fix VSM Law Begins Today Students around the country should be enormously disappointed at tonight�s passage of ACT�s bill to end universal membership of students� associations. By supporting the ACT party, National have rejected a lasting balanced position on students� associations in favour of more political ping pong.	application/pdf 203.2KB
Joint statement to be signed by MPs at Parliament rally 28 Sep This joint statement will be signed by MPs from the Labour, Green, Maori, and Mana parties.	application/pdf 38.2KB
Open Letter to Prime Minister from Student Leaders- 28 Sep This is is an open letter signed by student presidents and representatives from all around New Zealand, calling on the Government to ensure students have the final say on ACT�s bill to end universal membership of students� associations.	application/pdf 325.8KB
Come on John Key - don't pass it, kick it! Students and the public will be rallying at Parliament this afternoon against ACT�s Bill to end universal membership of students� associations. The rally comes as student leaders call on the Government to ensure students have the final say on this legislation.	application/pdf 211.7KB
Are You OK Results, and NZUSA Campus Safety Audit This report is targeted at both Universities and Polytechnics. Violence against women is a huge problem throughout New Zealand, with many incidents going unreported. The victim is never at fault in cases of harassment and assault, but many people refuse to accept this and continue marginalising victims. Tertiary study shapes the lives of many people and it is the responsibility of the campus community to ensure that everyone has good experiences while studying.	application/pdf 1.8MB
Sep 13 - Government acts to snuff out students� associations wi Students are alarmed at the Government�s continuing efforts to cripple students� associations and stifle student representation, as draft directions on Student Services Levies have been released for public consultation by the Minister of Tertiary Education.	application/pdf 207.1KB
Sep 7 - National rules out enduring solution - extreme Bill pos Students, student representatives, members of the public and tertiary institutions around the country will tonight be appalled that National and ACT have closed off any opportunity to consider an enduring solution and fairer alternative to ACT�s extreme student membership Bill, as Committee Stage debate ended tonight with no changes to the Bill.	application/pdf 139.4KB
Sep 7 - Maori students lodge Treaty of Waitangi Maori student representatives have formally lodged a claim into the Waitangi Tribunal seeking an urgent Tribunal hearing into the impacts of ACT�s bill to end universal membership of students� associations. The Tribunal has acknowledged receipt of the claim and is currently being considered as a single new claim	application/pdf 231.1KB
Sep 7 - ACT urged to take its own advice on Students are urging National this afternoon to support a longer-lasting enduring solution that is a practical and balanced alternative to ACT�s bill to end universal membership of students� associations. Such an alternative could generate cross-party support and stop this issue from continuing to be a future political football.	application/pdf 209.8KB
Sep 1 - Student leaders propose alternative to extreme ACT Bill Student leaders are today calling for National to adopt a proposal which guarantees every student the right to freedom of association whilst ensuring that strong independent students� associations can continue to provide credible and effective student representation and cost-effective services. This proposal is a fairer alternative to ACT�s bill to end universal membership of students� associations.	application/pdf 206.2KB
Aug 19 - National contradicts own Act Students are urging National this afternoon to support a longer-lasting enduring solution that is a practical and balanced alternative to ACT�s bill to end universal membership of students� associations. Such an alternative could generate cross-party support and stop this issue from continuing to be a future political football.	application/pdf 201.6KB
Aug 17 - Students nationwide urge �National to be Rational� Students around the country are today urging National to be �rational� and stop supporting ACT�s Bill to end universal membership of student�s associations. Rallies were scheduled to coincide with an originally scheduled Member�s Day in Parliament when the Bill was due to be debated further.	application/pdf 210.3KB
Aug 17 - Student Loan Scheme a mixed bag The cost of study will go up yet again as borrowers are charged new fees in the Student Loan Scheme Act passed under urgency in Parliament today. On the positive side, student representatives will celebrate good administrative changes in the Bill.	application/pdf 203.2KB
Aug 3 - National reneges on assurance on Act Bill National MPs are tonight setting aside parliamentary process to allow ACT�s destructive and unwanted Bill that will devastate student representation and services to proceed. If passed, the Bill is poised to throw the tertiary sector into disarray.	application/pdf 202.2KB
Aug 2 - NZ First student loan policy a welcome contribution Student leaders are welcoming New Zealand First�s contribution to the political debate around student debt, with a signal that party is serious about focusing on youth and addressing the nation�s student debt problem by matching borrowers� student loan repayments dollar for dollar.	application/pdf 203.1KB
July 22 - Students remember Dame Whetu Tirikatene-Sullivan Dame Whetu Tirikatene-Sullivan ONZ was elected as Women�s Vice-President to the 1960-1961 Victoria University of Wellington Students� Association (VUWSA) Executive becoming its first Maori woman member.	application/pdf 85.3KB
July 21 - �Review It!� another success for students� association NZUSA is congratulating Massey University students� associations on the launch of Review It!, a new survey designed to review courses and improve quality and student choice, developed in collaboration with Massey University. Launched just this semester, thousands of students have already used it to rate first semester courses on the quality of the teaching, resources, workload and assessment they experienced in their papers.	application/pdf 202.3KB
July 18 - More than just presidents locked out if VSM passes Opposition to an Act Party Bill that aims to end universal membership of students� associations continues to mount as students around the country resume classes for the second half of the year. The president of the Otago University Students� Association, Logan Edgar, will be protesting against the Bill by locking himself in a �Presidential Prison� from 7pm Monday 18 July to 1pm Wednesday 20 July at the Otago University campus.	application/pdf 203.4KB
July 12 - UK Conservatives Move to Strengthen Associations Students in New Zealand are hoping the Government will look overseas for inspiration in the way it ensures students are well-served and represented at their institutions.	application/pdf 209.3KB
July 9 - NZUSA commends 25 years since HLRA Students are joining others in the community Saturday(July 9) who are marking and commending 25 years since the passage of the Homosexual Law Reform Act in 1986.	application/pdf 154.2KB
July 7 - Student radio one of many possible VSM casualties Student radio will not be the only thing silenced if Parliament continues to support an Act Party Bill that will undermine the services, facilities and vibrant campus environments that students currently use and enjoy....	application/pdf 205KB
June 19 - Time to find a fairer alternative to Act�s VSM Bill Student leaders are echoing calls for fairer alternatives to ensure students continue to get the best possible services, representation and experience at university and polytechnic campuses.	application/pdf 146.2KB
May 19 - Education undermined in short-sighted Budget Thousands more potential students were shut out of tertiary education in an enormously short-sighted budget today. �The government has failed to take the opportunity to tackle the real issues facing students, tertiary education, and New Zealand. It had a real opportunity to show its commitment to properly invest in education, ensure fair access, and tackle student debt � it has comprehensively failed on almost all counts,�	application/pdf 205.5KB
May 18 - Government Should Secure Better Future with Budget Students are looking towards the government�s Budget to see if there will be constructive action tackling the real issues facing students, tertiary education, and New Zealand. �Students are clear in demanding a better future and the areas we need to address. The government has a real opportunity to show its commitment to invest in education, ensure fair access, and tackle student debt,� says NZUSA co-President David Do.	application/pdf 202.6KB
May17 - Age discrimination never justified, NZUSA-Greypower Students young and old are calling on the government to rescind proposed Budget changes to the student loan scheme that will deliberately target and discriminate against older students. The Government is proposing to reduce access to student loans for students over-55, specifically cutting access to loans for living costs and course-related costs.	application/pdf 205.4KB
May 11- Short-sighted funding cuts cap nation�s potential Student leaders are echoing the sentiments of the Massey Extramural Students� Society, who are calling for a review of the Government�s approach to tertiary education due to the impact this is having on older and distance students.	application/pdf 203.1KB
Apr 21 - International recognition of Student Volunteer Army International recognition of Student Volunteer Army demonstrates power of students - Student leaders are congratulating and commending the Student Volunteer Army on its continuing efforts in Canterbury, and for the work the Army�s coordinators will do overseas.	application/pdf 202KB
Mar 30 - Students will welcome transparency and accountability Students today have welcomed government proposals to ensure institutions are more transparent and accountable about the student services levies they charge.	application/pdf 207.5KB
Mar 9 - Students agree with ACT logic �The ACT Party has recently opposed the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill by arguing that it was overwhelmingly opposed by submitters, those directly affected by the Bill were opposed, and that it may not be an enduring solution to the issue. The same arguments also apply to the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill."	application/pdf 210.1KB
Mar 2 - Urgent action needed for Canterbury students: National a Student representatives are calling for an urgent collaborative nationwide approach to supporting students displaced by the tragic consequences of last week�s Christchurch earthquake.	application/pdf 168.1KB
Mar 1 - Canterbury Students Need Support Canterbury students are in need of urgent leadership from both the Government and tertiary institutions in the aftermath of last week�s tragic earthquake, which has seen many students displaced and may result in significant delays and disruption to the academic year.	application/pdf 166.8KB
Feb 25 - Students responding to Chch earthquake appeal Tertiary students are responding to the Christchurch earthquake by opening their hearts and wallets. Appeals are being launched by students� associations at universities and polytechnics nationwide during their orientation weeks. These appeals will gather money and goods to assist charities helping with the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake.	application/pdf 207.4KB
Feb 15 Gillard should urge Key not to repeat Australia�s failed In Australia, voluntary student membership has destroyed meaningful student representation and services on campuses. Students are calling on visiting Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard to urge John Key and his government to not to repeat the same mistake.	application/pdf 205.2KB
Feb 1 - Interest back on loans = harder to save Students are calling on the Government to immediately reject a baseless recommendation from the Savings Working Group that will make it harder to save. The Group�s report recommends, among other things, reintroducing interest on student loans after a student has graduated.	application/pdf 203.2KB
January 31 - Staff shortages threaten future opportunities Students will share concerns expressed by a report released by Universities New Zealand that shows universities are facing a shortage of academic staff over the next ten years.	application/pdf 165.2KB
Income & Expenditure Survey 2010 � Summary of key findings	application/pdf 239KB
January 27 - Research shows students hit hard by recession New research released today by the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA) shows students were hit hard by the economic recession. Fewer jobs and higher costs meant many struggled to make ends meet, and there is continuing concern over the impact of high student debt.	application/pdf 203.9KB
10 January - New national student leaders for 2011 Tertiary students will study this year backed up by strong national representation. The New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA) has new national officers for 2011. David Do and Max Hardy are the NZUSA co-Presidents, and Caitlin Dunham the NZUSA National Women�s Rights Officer.	application/pdf 213.7KB
5 Jan - ACT on Campus perpetuates rape culture Students are condemning deplorable comments recently highlighted by Act on Campus which link the current situation of universal student association membership to rape.	application/pdf 270.8KB
1 December 2010 - Students send message to Government Students have today urged the Government to listen to them and the public on the issue of student services and representation. At events around the country, local students and members of the public wore gags to represent the silencing of students if the Act Party�s Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill is passed.	application/pdf 203.3KB
30 Nov 2010 - Public poll reveals overwhelming majority opposed The New Zealand public has again overwhelmingly declared that students themselves should determine the method of students� association membership, a week out from the committee stage of a Bill that attempts to remove this choice.	application/pdf 208.3KB
25 November 2010 - Students say �It�s not OK� In a bid to address the widespread issue of violence in New Zealand, students� associations across the country are joining the voices of many others today and are urging kiwi males to stand up and say �It�s not OK�.	application/pdf 54.2KB
23 November 2010 - VSM will cripple the VBC Local Wellington student radio station the VBC 88.3FM is hosting a gig at the San Francisco Bath House from 9pm this Wednesday 24th November raising awareness of what will be lost if a current Act Party Bill before Parliament is passed. Heather Roy�s Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill would impose Voluntary Student Membership (VSM) on all students� associations across the country, dramatically slashing funds to students� associations and the organisations and clubs that rely on them, such as the VBC.	application/pdf 34.6KB
17 November 2010 - Don�t close the gap with Australia Students are warning the Government not to repeat the same mistakes from across the Tasman when it comes to student services and representation.	application/pdf 202KB
11 Nov 2010 - TWFG - National vote to undermine women Female students across the country are appalled at the National Party�s vote tonight for the Act Party�s Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill. �Despite overwhelming support against the Bill at the Select Committee stage, National has chosen to ignore the people�s voice and destroy campus culture,� says NZUSA National Women�s Rights Officer Caitlin Dunham.	application/pdf 33.1KB
10 Nov 2010 - Students call on PM to save services Students are requesting an urgent meeting with Prime Minister John Key to discuss how to save student services, representation, and welfare provisions from an Act Party Bill after it was voted through on its Second Reading in Parliament tonight. �It is not too late for John Key to step in and save over a century of student representation and services from the Act Party,� says NZUSA co-President David Do. �NZUSA, as the national representative body for tertiary students, is requesting he meet with us urgently to re-consider his Government�s support of the Act Party Bill. John Key met with Warner Brothers to save �The Hobbit� - we are asking he do the same to save the important services and experiences students� associations provide for university and polytechnic students in New Zealand,� says Do.	application/pdf 201.7KB
03 Nov 2010 - Bill will put quality and students at risk High quality tertiary education will be put at risk if an Act Party Bill being considered by Parliament is further advanced next week. The Bill seeks to fundamentally alter membership of students� associations, however students warn this will lead to downwards pressures on quality and higher costs to students, staff, and tertiary institutions. �Students� associations� are an integral part of the tertiary landscape. They contribute to academic success and positively influence students staying in study,� says NZUSA co-President David Do.	application/pdf 202.9KB
20 October 2010 - National goes against 98% of submitters Student representatives are appalled that National MPs have ignored the calls of students and the public tonight. National MPs have chosen to support Act�s concerted attack on student services, as debate on the Second Reading of the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill begun this evening. Debate will conclude and a vote on the bill will be taken on the next Member�s Day, which is scheduled for November 10. �It is very disappointing that the Government is about to support a Bill that students and the public don�t want, tertiary staff have spoken out against, and universities and polytechnics have also clearly warned against. When all parties concerned are against this Bill, why is the Government supporting it?� says NZUSA co-President David Do.	application/pdf 202.2KB
19 October 2010 - National: Do the right thing, support the 98% Student representatives are calling on MPs to oppose the Act Party�s Bill attacking student services and representation tomorrow evening(Wednesday) in Parliament. �98% of the 4800+ submissions were against the Bill, and over the past few months the Select Committee heard dozens of success stories about the good work of students� associations. Students will rightfully be expecting this Bill goes no further,� says NZUSA Co-President Pene Delaney. The Act Party�s Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill is due for it�s second reading tomorrow night. It seeks to change the method by which students become members of their students� association.	application/pdf 201.4KB
18 October 2010 - Will student opportunities be history? Students� associations have been working hard for students for over a hundred years and are reminding MPs this week to vote down an Act Party Bill that will undermine the services, facilities and vibrant campus environments that students use and enjoy. �Students associations have made significant contributions to campus life and to wider New Zealand society over many decades. They have helped out struggling students, provided important social and networking opportunities, and have funded dozens of sporting and cultural clubs,� says NZUSA co-President David Do. �These opportunities and the supportive learning environment that associations foster are key in fostering vibrant and productive campuses alongside a quality education for New Zealanders,� said Do.	application/pdf 201.7KB
12 October 2010 - Boost to university places welcomed Students welcome today�s announcement of an extra 3,000 more university student places over the next two years as a useful boost for tertiary funding and are pleased the Government has heard the calls of student representatives and the sector about the negative impacts of underfunding. Students look forward to further Government initiatives to overcome fundamental constraints in the tertiary sector. �Putting more funds into the university sector to support increased demand is a very positive step. It shows the government realises that the tertiary sector needs more funding to maintain quality and retain access,� says NZUSA co-President Pene Delaney.	application/pdf 200.2KB
23 Sept 2010 - Retrospective loan cuts Students are increasingly concerned that major changes to student loans will mean the end of studies for some. From 2011, eligibility for student loans for returning students will be dependent on academic performance for 2009 and 2010. Institutions and students are getting more worried as they get to grips with what the Government�s blanket back-dated changes mean.	application/pdf 203.9KB
22 Sept 2010 - Working Students and Graduates hit hard by law Students and graduates will be hit hard by proposed changes to employment law. Student leaders will be appearing in front of the Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee this afternoon to speak against the Employment Relations Amendment Bill (No.2). �This Bill undermines trust and fairness in the workplace, and takes away the rights of students and graduates to a fair and decent work environment,� says NZUSA co-President David Do.	application/pdf 202.2KB
21 Sept 2010 - Students Call on National to Listen to the People Student representatives are calling on the Government and the Education and Science Select Committee to listen to the thousands of voices that have spoken out against the ACT Party�s destructive Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill. The Education and Science Select Committee is due to report back to Parliament by September 30. The Committee received more than 4400 submissions, with an overwhelming 98% opposed to the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill.	application/pdf 209.3KB
08 Sept 2010 - Performance data under performs Student representatives are treating today�s release of newly compiled performance data on tertiary institutions with caution, highlighting the brevity of information and significant gaps in the data provided.	application/pdf 40.5KB
19 August 2010 - One bad apple shouldn't spoil all student assn The situation at Whitireia is an exception to the rule. No business, charity, or home is immune from fraud and crime. Take the recent examples of Roger McClay with charities, or Mark Bryers with Blue Chip. While it is blatantly clear that WISA has failed its members, it would be wrong to imply one example as representative of all students� associations. Calling for voluntary membership for all student associations based on one example would be like calling for Parliament to be abolished because of the deeds of [former MP] McClay. Just because there�s one or two bad apples doesn�t mean you throw out the whole barrel.	application/pdf 213.1KB
05 August 2010 - Students commend teaching award winners Student leaders are sending their congratulations to the winners of the 2010 Tertiary Teaching Excellence Awards. The 11 winners were announced last night at a parliamentary ceremony hosted by Hon Steven Joyce, the Minister for Tertiary Education. The winners come from universities and institutes of technology and polytechnics all across the country. �Great teaching is vital to the student experience and the quality of education a student receives. It is wonderful to see teaching excellence continue to be recognised at a national level,� says NZUSA co-President Pene Delaney.	application/pdf 201.5KB
04 August 2010 - Underfunding? Not our Future! Government underfunding continues to make it harder for Kiwis to get ahead. Last night�s TV1�s Closeup programme featured several students who were affected by underfunding in the tertiary sector, including a student who was denied entry, a teaching student who is now forced to take her courses online halfway through her degree, and high schools students now uncertain about their future. �The buck stops with the Government on this. The Government appears happy to stand by as underfunding makes it harder for Kiwis to get ahead,� says NZUSA Co-President David Do.	application/pdf 208.1KB
28 July 2010 - Polytech funding cuts may not heal Students are concerned at the future of courses at their Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) as Government funding cuts continue to bite. Millions of dollars have been stripped out of the polytechnic sector over the past few years. While the Budget a small boost in funded places, other cuts mean that the sector will receive about $20 million per year less from 2011, and some institutions will be worse hit than others.	application/pdf 40.7KB
28 July 2010 - Students agree with PM: Student debt a disaster Student leaders are joining the Prime Minister�s condemnation of the massive $11 billion of student debt as a disaster, and are reminding him just why the interest-free nature of the loans is so important to addressing this debacle. �The Student Loan Scheme has been a huge experiment gone wrong. Students, graduates, and their families are all suffering under the $11billion millstone that is student debt. The only positive in this flawed scheme is the interest-free nature of the loans,� says David Do, Co-President of the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA).	application/pdf 43.3KB
28 July 2010 - Students agree with PM: Student debt a disaster Student leaders are joining the Prime Minister�s condemnation of the massive $11 billion of student debt as a disaster, and are reminding him just why the interest-free nature of the loans is so important to addressing this debacle. �The Student Loan Scheme has been a huge experiment gone wrong. Students, graduates, and their families are all suffering under the $11billion millstone that is student debt. The only positive in this flawed scheme is the interest-free nature of the loans,� says David Do, Co-President of the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA).	application/pdf 43.3KB
05 July 2010 - Students welcome new qualifications framework Current and potential students will welcome today�s establishment of a single unified qualifications framework. Student leaders are pleased that students can look forward to using a clearer system to understand what they can study and where that can lead them to. The New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) has replaced the Register of Quality Assured Qualifications and the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). It is one of multiple changes that will flow from the current NZQA Targeted Review of Qualifications.	application/pdf 40.9KB
30 June 20I0 - Increased allowances spending shows need Increases in student allowance recipients and spending are a welcome sign of continuing investment into student support, but are also a clear sign of ongoing need, say student leaders. The Government should better support students to help increase achievement in tertiary education. Ministry of Education figures released yesterday show that the number of allowance recipients jumped by 26% between 2008 and 2009, compared to 5% each year between 2006 and 2008. The amount of government spending on allowances is the highest in almost 20 years.	application/pdf 208.6KB
08 June 2010 - Safety Audit to be conducted by student groups The international human rights and anti-violence campaign �Thursdays in Black� is being re-launched today by student executives around New Zealand, with many students� associations also participating in a campus safety audit survey. �Thursdays in Black is a campaign led by the Tertiary Women�s Focus Group and is designed to raise awareness about the prevalence of rape and violence in New Zealand society� said Sophia Blair, National Women�s Rights Officer for the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations.	application/pdf 32.8KB
08 June 2010 - Another nail in the coffin for open entry The government appears happy to stand by as underfunding makes it harder for Kiwis to get ahead. Massey University recently joined Victoria University in restricting admissions for domestic students for second semester, and moving towards limited entry for all courses from 2011 onwards. Otago University has also capped admissions. Alongside this, the Government is signalling that universities should increase the number of international students as an �economic lifeline.�	application/pdf 45.2KB
27 May 2010 - Budget likely to worsen kiwi doctor shortage Medical students are concerned that government changes to fees will have a significant impact on New Zealand�s health workforce in years to come. The Budget announced that the current fee maxima policy will be scrapped and replaced with a 4% annual limit on fee rises across the board, as well as funding 20 new medical places. �While we welcome the boost in medical places, we remain concerned over rising student debt and its potential impact on the health workforce. We know that medical students feel significant pressure to go overseas from their significant amount of student debt,� says New Zealand Medical Students� Association (NZMSA) president Liz Carr.	application/pdf 210.3KB
20 May 2010 - Lost opportunity for a real 'stepchange' Future graduations are likely to be less happy affairs due to tertiary policy changes announced in the Budget this afternoon. Continued underfunding by successive governments has led to students graduating with high student debt due to increasing fees, as well as underinvestment in staffing and critical facilities such as libraries. Two universities in the last week have also closed their doors for 2010, citing a lack of funding.	application/pdf 203.4KB
12 May 2010 - Doors of opportunity slammed shut twice The doors of opportunity have been shut in the faces of hundreds of prospective students due to decisions made by two large universities in the past two days. Victoria University tonight announced it will not be accepting any more domestic applications for undergraduate study for the rest of the year. Otago University also placed enrolment caps for several of its second semester courses (including some first year and open entry courses) yesterday afternoon.	application/pdf 143.7KB
5 May 2010 - National neutralises election promise Hundreds of thousands of graduates and students will be disappointed at the Government�s elimination of an election promise today. The Government has proposed extending the annual $50 administration fee for student loan accounts to all borrowers who hold a student loan. Currently students pay a $50 administration fee only for each year they take out a student loan.	application/pdf 208.4KB
28 April 2010 - Bill will slash services and cut representation Students will pay more to see their services slashed and representation cut if legislation being considered by Parliament is passed. That was the key message delivered today by student representatives at the Education and Science Select Committee. NZUSA was amongst the first to make oral submissions on Roger Douglas� Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill.	application/pdf 210.8KB
20 April 2010 - New inflation figures confirm fee, GST worries New figures released by Statistics New Zealand today confirm an increasingly bleak picture for students who could face a triple whammy in this year�s Budget. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.4 per cent in the March quarter however university fees gained 6.1 per cent. This was one of the highest individual upward increases this quarter. The rise reflected higher course fees and new compulsory levies introduced by some universities to cover the costs of providing existing institutional services to students.	application/pdf 202.8KB
20 April 2010 - PM's Attack on Students Ill-informed and Unfair Student leaders are condemning the Prime Minister�s statements this morning regarding students as short sighted and based on ill-informed preconceptions of students. His comments this morning on Breakfast come after the Minister for Tertiary Education Hon Steven Joyce signalled new restrictions on student loan eligibility on TVNZ�s Q&A programme yesterday. �Students are taxpayers and productive members of society. Students take their studies seriously and do understand the value invested in them by their fellow taxpayers. Any implication that they do not understand is unfair and incorrectly misrepresents students as different to the rest of New Zealand society,� said David Do, Co-President of the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA).	application/pdf 202.5KB
14 April 2010 - Polytechnic Councils - Where are the women? Women student leaders today are casting a critical eye over the Government�s polytechnic council appointments, highlighting the significant lack of female appointees on polytechnic boards. The Government today released its Ministerial appointments to polytechnic councils, with only 20 out of 78 appointees being women.	application/pdf 79.7KB
14 April 2010 - Concern over ITP council appointments The announcement today of the new Ministerial appointments to Institutes of Technology and Polytechnic councils continues the Government�s concerted steps in limiting community and student voices from their own institutions. �We are very concerned that this new path the Government is taking with the governance of the polytechnic sector further isolates key stakeholders in the debate around quality,� said Pene Delaney, Co-President of the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA).	application/msword 404.5KB
06 April 2010 - National forum aims to lift Pasifika achievement Pasifika tertiary students from around the country are meeting in Hamilton this week to discuss ways to raise achievement levels amongst their peers. NZUSA, in conjunction with the Waikato University Pacific Island Students' Association and Waikato Students� Union, is hosting the �National Tertiary Pacific Islands Convention� held at Waikato University between Tuesday the 6th and Friday the 9th. Over 100 students representing both universities and polytechnics will be attending. The convention aims to highlight the importance of institutional support in ensuring academic success, in particular developing and implementing tailored policies, activities and services within tertiary institutions. Groups will discuss a number of key questions such as how the current tertiary environment impacts on Pasifika student achievement levels.	application/pdf 200.7KB
24 March 2010 - One more week to save our services Students have one more week to make their voices heard and help save their services. Submissions on Roger Douglas� Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill close at the end of March 31st. The submissions and the Bill will then be considered by the Education and Science select committee over April and May.	application/pdf 201.6KB
15 March 2010 - Govt pushing tertiary education out of reach? Students are concerned at signs that tuition fees may again start spiralling out of control, following Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce�s comments in the Dominion Post suggesting various options for changing current fee policies and indicating the government is seriously considering allowing universities and polytechnics to charge higher fees.	application/pdf 92.9KB
9 March 2010 - Women students demand action on gender pay gap The announcement today of the new Ministerial appointments to Institutes of Technology and Polytechnic councils continues the Government�s concerted steps in limiting community and student voices from their own institutions. �We are very concerned that this new path the Government is taking with the governance of the polytechnic sector further isolates key stakeholders in the debate around quality,� said Pene Delaney, Co-President of the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA).	application/pdf 199.6KB
9 March 2010 - Minister's signals worry students Student leaders are concerned at changes afoot in the tertiary sector, following comments by new Minister for Tertiary Education, Hon Steven Joyce, in his first speech in the role this morning where he outlined the introduction of performance-based funding and signalled restricted access to student loans.	application/pdf 202KB
7 March 2010 - NZUSA...coming to a town near you National student leaders will be helping students save their services as they visit campuses around the country this month.	application/pdf 211.2KB
5 March 2010 - Students welcome support for student services As orientation weeks around the country wrap up this week, tertiary students can take heart that the wider community supports strong student services and maintaining their quality of education.	application/pdf 203.6KB
1 March 2010 - Books are opened, but opportunities close Tertiary students start classes this year amid growing concern at increasing threats to open access to universities. �It�s great to see so many new students starting classes nationwide this week and last week. Ensuring as many students are able to succeed is integral to having a better-educated and highly-skilled society and economy,� says NZUSA co-president David Do.	application/pdf 215.7KB
17 February 2010 - Students Reject Appalling TVNZ Generalisation Student leaders reject the appalling generalisations cast on students by an unbalanced story on the student loan scheme, aired on TVNZ�s �Close Up� programme Tuesday evening. Three tertiary students were profiled in the report discussing their borrowing from the loans scheme, and investing this money rather than using it for living costs, as intended by the scheme.	application/pdf 208.5KB
9 February 2010 - Threats to Funding? Students Say No Students are alarmed at hints to future cuts to tertiary education funding contained in the Prime Minister�s opening statement to Parliament today. �While we support the government�s intention to work with the tertiary sector to ensure high quality tertiary education, this should not come at the expense of hard working students,� says NZUSA co-President David Do.	application/pdf 201.4KB
2 February 2010 - Students call on PM to reaffirm no interest NZUSA is calling on the Government to reaffirm its commitment to interest free student loans, following comments by the Prime Minister this morning	application/pdf 150.7KB
26 January 2010 - Students welcome new Minister The New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA) welcomes the appointment of Steven Joyce as the new Minister for Tertiary Education today and looks forward to working with him productively to maintain quality and access to tertiary education for all New Zealanders.	application/pdf 148.6KB
25 January 2010 - Students to draw inspiration Student leaders from universities and polytechnics around the country are converging in Wellington this week for the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA) January Conference	application/pdf 149.2KB
6 January 2010 - 2010 National student leaders elected As students return to campuses nationwide later this year, their interests will be defended and represented by strong leadership in Wellington. The New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA) has new national officers for 2010. David Do and Pene Delaney are the NZUSA co-Presidents, and Sophia Blair the NZUSA National Women�s Rights Officer.	application/pdf 202.2KB
15 December 2009-Passing of Polytech Bill - a blow to education Student leaders today are appalled at the passing of the Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill as it signals drastic changes for Polytechnics and removes the voice of students in governance level decision making, and are questioning the rushed and poor process with which this Bill has been pushed through. �The long history of positive contribution of student representatives to governance of Polytechnics has been completely trampled over today and as result, the voice of students at their local Polytechnic are at risk of being completely ignored,� said Sophia Blair, Co-President of New Zealand Union of Students� Associations.	application/pdf 210.9KB
24 November 2009 - Student Rep Positions Not Safe Student leaders are today writing to the Minister for Tertiary Education, Hon Anne Tolley, outlining their concerns over proposed amendments to the Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill that places highly regarded student representative positions on Polytechnic Councils in jeopardy.	application/pdf 209.8KB
20 November 2009-Students Outraged at Polytech Goverance Changes Student representatives are outraged at today�s release of an Education and Science Select Committee report on a Bill which will fundamentally alter the nature and quality of Polytechnic Councils. �The Select Committee heard many strong and convincing arguments demonstrating the flaws and complete inappropriate nature of what was being proposed, and to have this not only ignored but the Bill now made significantly worse is appalling and totally unacceptable�, said Jordan King, Co-President of the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations.	application/pdf 207.7KB
16 November 2009 - Australian Student President Visits NZ David Barrow, President of the National Union of Students (NUS) in Australia, is the special guest of the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations this week, undertaking a speaking tour with student leaders, the tertiary sector and political parties.	application/pdf 122.1KB
24 September 2009 - Attacks on Polytechnics Unacceptable The New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA) is supporting the actions of students around the country as they fight against the Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill. �This Bill follows quickly on the heels of under-funding, increasing competition from the private sector and cuts to Adult and Community education,� said Sophia Blair, NZUSA Co-President. �These actions represent a concerted and appalling attack on the Polytechnic sector by the National-led Government and will be met with strong opposition,� said Blair.	application/pdf 209.3KB
23 September 2009 - Students vow to protect student services Student leaders are reminding Members of Parliament of the flexibility and choice regarding membership of students� associations already enshrined in legislation, as Roger Douglas� Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill comes up for its� First Reading today. �This Bill is primarily about student choice and freedom of association � two principles already supported and protected in law,� said Sophia Blair, Co-President of the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA). �When the current law is flexible and inclusive, allowing for a variety of forms of membership, and when the majority of students are happy with the status quo, we do question the need for this Bill at all, and therefore recommend Members of Parliament vote it down today,� added Blair.	application/pdf 207.9KB
23 September 2009 - Douglas' Bill will put students at risk Student leaders are today disappointed that Parliament has voted Roger Douglas� completely unnecessary Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill through to Select Committee following its First Reading in the House, but are confident that MPs will, through the select committee process see sense and not support the Bill any further. �Students� associations have a long and deep history in New Zealand and are a key part of the fabric of tertiary campuses. Universal membership has shown it works, is completely valid and is totally necessary for the wellbeing of students,� said Sophia Blair, Co-President of the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA). �We will be fully utilising the Select Committee process to prove there is absolutely no need for change in this area and show that the current law already puts students in the driving seat and works very well,� said Blair.	application/pdf 209.8KB
9 August 2009 - SIS Actions are Unacceptable Student leaders are very concerned today at news that the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (SIS) has been spying on University cademics who, as part of their work and research, are critical of the direction of New Zealand�s economic & trade policies.	application/pdf 207.7KB
31 July 2009 - Training Incentive Allowance The New Zealand Union of Students� Associations is launching a nationwide petition today calling on students and the public to register their opposition to the axing of the Training Incentive Allowance by the Government in the 2009 Budget. The Petition urgently requests that the Government reinstate the allowance and highlights the beneficial effects the TIA has had on allowing those on fixed incomes to access higher education and move into the labour market over the many years it has been available. The Government has emphasised on numerous occasions the importance of having people access further and higher education to improve skills and create pathways into the workforce. The Training Incentive Allowance has allowed so many people to do just that, there is no reason why it should be stopped now. Click here for a copy of the petition	application/pdf 78.7KB
29 July 2009 - Bennett Privacy Fiasco Student leaders today are renewing their call for the reinstatement of the Training Incentive Allowance and are pressing the Minister for Social Development, Hon Paula Bennett, to immediately take action in the face of widespread public concern over the scrapping of this important student support scheme. �Privacy fiasco aside � the core issue for students is the unjustified scrapping of such a constructive and helpful allowance that for many years has helped people into higher education, and then into the job market, who might not have otherwise had an opportunity to do so� said Jordan King, Co-President of the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations.	application/pdf 209.2KB
28 July 2009 - Drastic Changes to Polytech Goverance Alarming Student leaders are gravely concerned at the proposed changes to the governance of Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics and are calling on the Government to come clean about its� plans in the sector and immediately consult with all tertiary sector groups on the matter. Leaked documents released to the media over the weekend show that the Minister of Tertiary Education, Anne Tolley, is planning to drastically reduce the size of Polytechnic councils to eight members by removing community group representation.	application/pdf 208.7KB
28 May 2009- Brighter Future a Now Distant Glimmer Says Students Students are disappointed today with the Government�s Budget following the announcement that the main funding categories in tertiary education will not be guaranteed to increase in real terms over the coming few years and that $98 million dollars worth of Scholarships will be slashed. While acknowledging a 1.95% (below predicted inflation level) funding adjustment in 2010, students have been left in the dark over tertiary funding beyond next year. "The amount that the Government has increased spending in the tertiary education budget for 2010 is below predicted inflation levels and is effectively a cut. In a time of recession where more and more New Zealanders will be looking towards participating in tertiary education in the face of high unemployment, it is highly disappointing not to see a substantial increase in an area that is key to New Zealand�s economic recovery� said Jordan King, Co-President of New Zealand Union of Students� Associations.	application/pdf 207.5KB
28 May 2009 - Government won�t front up to students Student leaders today are questioning the Government�s commitment to tertiary education and supporting learners after Government Ministers have again declined to speak to student leaders and representatives. The Minister of Tertiary Education, Hon Anne Tolley, and the Associate Minister of Tertiary Education, Hon Dr Wayne Mapp, were invited to speak at the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations� January conference and the upcoming July conference, but won�t be attending. For the past decade, a representative from the Government has regularly fronted up to students in these forums.	application/pdf 206KB
14 May 2009 Tertiary Education cuts will hurt students Students are outraged today at the confirmation there will be no funding increases to the tertiary sector in the upcoming Budget and are concerned at the detrimental effect this will have on students. The Minister of Finance, Bill English, confirmed today that the National-led Government would not be honouring Labour�s commitment of ensuring funding keeps up with CPI. �A decision not to increase funding to the sector is, in effect, an unacceptable cut to tertiary education�, said Sophia Blair, Co-President of the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA). �This will have a negative impact on the quality of tertiary education that students receive and there is a major concern that tertiary institutions may have to take drastic measures to cope, such as limiting entry, effectively shutting people out of education.�	application/pdf 208.4KB
12 May 2009 - Prime Minister guarantees interest free loans will Student leaders are relieved at Prime Minister John Key�s guarantee that interest-free student loans are here to stay. �We welcome the Prime Minister�s decisive statement clarifying that the interest-free student loan policy will remain�, said Jordan King, Co-President of the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA). John Key confirmed National�s position on Breakfast television yesterday, stating the level of interest applied to student loans would remain at zero percent, after speculation had surfaced in recent weeks that National may reverse the 2005 policy decision to remove interest on loans and move to interest-bearing loans for higher education.	application/pdf 205.7KB
8 May 2009 - Government needs to quash rumours on Students are alarmed at speculation that the Government may be looking to reintroduce interest back onto student loans in the forthcoming budget. Statements made in this week�s Trans Tasman political newsletter indicated that government officials had been working on changes to the interest free student loan policy �The National Party promised before it was elected that it would not remove the existing interest free student loan policy that Labour introduced in 2005. Any move to reintroduce interest onto student loans would be a clear case of a broken election promise to students, graduates, families and communities.� said Jordan King, Co-President of The New Zealand Union of Students' Associations (NZUSA).	application/pdf 206.4KB
1 May 2009 - NZUSA welcomes proposed student job initiatives Students today are welcoming positive initiatives that tertiary institutions are proposing to support students who cannot find work over the summer period. Both the University of Canterbury Vice Chancellor Rod Carr and the University of Auckland Vice Chancellor Stuart McCutcheon have met with senior Government ministers to suggest initiatives that will aim to keep students in jobs over summer.	application/pdf 206.4KB
29 April 2009 -Minister�s pre-budget statements concern students Students are highly concerned with the Minister of Tertiary Education, Anne Tolley, who today has made worrying statements ahead of the Budget. �At a time of global economic uncertainty, Governments around the world have made education a key plank in their economic stimulus packages� said Jordan King, Co-President of the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations. �There is a wide consensus that furthering invest in higher education is fundamental to getting the global economy back on track. Our Government, in the Budget, must not ignore the absolute importance of further investment in education � doing so will put the quality of tertiary education in New Zealand at risk �added King.	application/pdf 206.3KB
24 Mar 2009 - Nationals voluntary repayment scheme no bonus Student leaders are critical of National�s announcement of a new student loan repayment bonus scheme, citing its strict eligibility criteria and lack of vision and scope as its downfalls. �This policy will be welcomed by those lucky few who qualify for the scheme and can afford to make extra voluntary repayments�, said Sophia Blair, Co-President of the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA). �However most borrowers are already making considerable compulsory loan repayments each week, and can�t afford to make further contributions on top of this. When they are already doing everything they should, why are they now being ignored by the government?� added Blair. Student loan borrowers have compulsory repayments deducted automatically from their weekly pay at the high rate of ten percent on all income earned over $18,184. �We question why National has created such a narrow policy that will merely reward the rich and leave everyone else to struggle�, said Blair. �With such tough economic times, and loan repayment obligations already being met by most loan borrowers, why are the majority being punished and left out of this policy to reduce the debt burden?� said Blair.	application/pdf 207.4KB
9 Mar 2009 - Student allowances: The answer to a tight job mark Student leaders today expressed their concern about diminishing job figures released by Student Job Search and called on the Government to address the potential poverty that many students may now face by increasing student allowance eligibility. Student Job Search revealed today that there has been an increase in students looking for part time work, but a marked decrease in job vacancies. Currently only a third of students are eligible for student allowance while the rest are forced to forced to borrow from the student loan scheme and then further supplement their income with part time jobs. �The current system means that students rely heavily on part time jobs to pay their basic living costs. With the decrease in part time jobs confirmed today, we are extremely concerned at how students will be able to adequately support themselves while they further their education� said Sophia Blair, Co-President of New Zealand Union of Students� Associations. (NZUSA).	application/pdf 203.5KB
26 Feb 2009 - Student leaders on national tour New Zealand�s student leaders are in Palmerston North this week on the first leg of a month-long national tour of universities, polytechnics and institutes of technology. �A key focus of our visits will be delivering tailored training and information to individual executives at our member students� associations�, said Sophia Blair, Co-President of the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA). �The ability to be on campus and participate in local events, campaigns and meetings is an excellent opportunity to gain insight to the specific needs of particular campuses and it will greatly inform the work and priorities of our national office this year,� said Blair. Engaging with local communities, supporting the town and gown relationship, and keeping student activism relevant and alive will feature strongly in the tour as the Co-Presidents visit cities and students from Auckland to Dunedin. �We�re really looking forward to meeting with Vice Chancellors, Chief Executives and staff unions across the country regarding common interests and issues in the tertiary sector, and in particular how we can work together to further our goals�, said Jordan King, Co-President of NZUSA. �Of particular interest to us will be issues of access, quality and student representation, as well as funding to tertiary institutions and student support,� added King.	application/pdf 203.7KB
24 Feb 2009 - Public service job cut threats uncalled for Student leaders are very concerned at news of potential job cuts in the public service, particularly in government agencies and departments that deal with tertiary education and student support, and label any �slash and burn� approach to staffing as reckless and irresponsible. �All New Zealand workers, including public servants, deserve reassurance and certainty during these troubled economic times, not stress and threats over their livelihood�, said Jordan King, Co-President of the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA). �Government should be setting an example and treating its� workers well, particularly when we are days out from the �Jobs Summit�, and especially if it expects other employers to do the same�. National has previously criticised the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) for excessive staff numbers and there has been further indication over the last week that the government may halve its workforce, and in recent days it has been revealed that the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) will likely cull hundreds of positions.	application/pdf 205KB
23 Feb 2009 - Government keen on bondage, students not so sure Student leaders are welcoming the government�s interest in supporting new graduates and their recognition of the significant issues with student loan debt, but are warning that without further expansion of the scheme the initiative will have narrow success. �Today�s announcement shows the government have heard the calls of some industry and sector groups to address key workforce shortages, and that they understand the negative effect student loan debt is having on graduates career choices�, said Sophia Blair, Co-President of the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA). �For those lucky few who qualify for this initiative, it will provide very welcome relief,� added Blair. The policy announcement will see a voluntary bonding scheme introduced for medical, health and teaching professionals in hard to staff areas that provides student loan relief, or cash incentives, in an effort to fill workforce shortages and keep skilled graduates in New Zealand.	application/pdf 204.6KB
18 feb 2009 - Students demand Vice Chancellors tell the truth Student representatives are shocked and disappointed that the New Zealand Vice Chancellors� Committee (NZVCC) Briefing for the Incoming Minister continues to promulgate incorrect assertions on student financial support and is referring them to the government�s own Ministry of Education reports for clarification on the real story. �While we support the NZVCC�s commitment to quality, accessible public university education, we are however extremely concerned at their continued misrepresentation of student support data and their calls for flexibility on fees�, said Jordan King, Co-President of the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA). �Once again the NZVCC have held threats and misinformation over the heads of struggling students for political gain. This is a lazy and highly inappropriate manner in which to deal with serious issues of under-funding facing all parts of the tertiary sector � students, staff and institutions alike,� added King.	application/pdf 205.2KB
5 Febuary 2009 - Student workers need increase to minimum wage Along with thousands of other low wage workers, students will be hoping the government has heard their calls and will deliver a rise in the minimum wage when Cabinet meets on Monday. �At a time when the cost of living is so high, and support for tertiary students is so low, a rise in the minimum wage would be a very positive and timely step for thousands of students around the country�, said Jordan King, Co-President of the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA). With over ninety percent of students undertaking paid work to support themselves during study, minimum wage increases would directly benefit thousands of students and provide a useful and effective vehicle for stimulating the slowing economy.	application/pdf 202.6KB
5 Febuary 2009 - A step to the right � students say Treasury Bri Student representatives are outraged at Treasury�s Briefing to the Incoming Minister of Finance dismissing the negative consequences of the Student Loan Scheme, and are urging the National-led government to instead consider the raft of evidence proving the scheme�s inefficiency and inequity. �We are deeply concerned at the flawed advice Treasury is presenting to the Minister. Policies of under-investing in student support were implemented in the 1990s and failed, directly contributing to the $10billion debt now owed by students and graduates�, said Sophia Blair, Co-President of the New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA). �A creative solution to addressing the drivers and result of this debt is what is now needed � fully publicly funded tertiary education�.	application/pdf 204.9KB
6 January 2009 - NZUSA elects student leaders for 2009 The New Zealand Union of Students� Associations (NZUSA) has elected its national officers for 2009. Sophia Blair and Jordan King will be the Co-Presidents of NZUSA.	application/pdf 203.9KB

living allowances

fees

thursdays in black

public funding