10 July 2002

Choice for students, parents and universities is the cornerstone of the Christian Heritage Party Education Policy says party leader Graham Capill.

Speaking from the University town of Dunedin, Mr Capill said that he wanted to be labeled the ‘Education Candidate’ for the rest of the campaign.

In launching the party’s Education policy, Mr Capill said he wanted student loans to be a thing of the past and encouraged communities to initiate programs similar to the one being run in Invercargill where students and businesses have a strategic relationship of mutual benefit.

“We cannot go on with our young people entering the workforce as professionals with massive student debts hanging around their neck,” Mr Capill said.

He said that New Zealand’s brain drain would continue at a rate of knots if students were forced into debt in order to get ahead.

“It just doesn’t make sense. Our young people are being penalized for wanting to improve their employment prospects.

“If elected, CHP is committed to phasing out the student loan system in favour of student sponsorship schemes where an employer supports a student with a view of future employment. We will also offer a lower tax rate to businesses and organisations that contribute to the funding of tertiary education institutions.

Mr Capill said he would advocate the freedom of choice regarding student union or political association on all campuses and give all universities the freedom to comment on policy matters of widespread concern.

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