Maharey's Promise to UCOL Students

MEDIA RELEASE Date: 19 July 2002 Attention: Education/Political Reporters For Immediate Release

Maharey's Promise to UCOL Students

Steve Maharey visited the Universal College of Learning (UCOL) today to speak to students about Labour's education platform for the election. When asked what input students would have into the changes that Labour is planning for student loans and allowances, the Minister informed UCOL students that all changes would involve their national representative body - the Aotearoa Tertiary Students Association (ATSA). The Minister also made this promise directly to the governing body of ATSA at their National conference two weeks ago.

"As a national body we expect thorough consultation on all changes to the financial support of tertiary students," said Julie Pettett, National President of ATSA. "The real question will be whether the proposed changes will offer anything of substance worth consultation with ATSA."

"We are pleased to have Steve on our campus and hope that he will be back soon after the election to deliver good news to students," said Damian Peeti, President of the UCOL Students' Association. "Students expect that government that is elected this year will be quick to deliver real solutions to the student debt time bomb through changes to fees and allowances. Students at UCOL can not afford to wait any longer."

ENDS

For further comment, contact: Julie Pettett ATSA National President Cell phone 029 939 1417 (04) 9391417

The Aotearoa Tertiary Students' Association - Representing University, Polytechnic and Wananga students

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