Positive Initiatives Necessary to Address Concerns

Positive Initiatives Necessary to Address Maori and Pacific Island Tertiary Student Concerns

“Tertiary institutions need a great dose of positivity when finalizing new initiatives targeted towards helping to address Maori and Pacific Island tertiary student problems. Some institutions appear particularly uninspiring when considering present options. Students are asking for consultation on initiatives and will be closely watching progress to ensure that institutions use the extra government funding wisely” stated Aotearoa Tertiary Student Association (ATSA) President Keith Clark.

These comments follow the release of extra Government funding amounting to $125 per targeted EFTS to each institution. Tertiary institutions receive the funding now, are responsible for finalizing plans by April and will be measured on their outcomes in September.

“The gaps are not closing for Maori and Pacific Island tertiary students and in areas like retention the gaps are becoming chasms. With funding obviously limited, institutions need to look closely at creative solutions and examine the cost/benefit ratios of all planned initiatives” said Clark.

ATSA supports calls for institutions to consult their communities widely. ATSA will be making representations to Government to both monitor the programme closely and to implement the most successful initiatives on a larger scale in coming years.

ENDS

For Further Comment, Please Contact:
Keith Clark, ATSA National President
Office 04 4999 716
Cell phone 025 756 526

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