Students mark Hollywood’s Big Day with Shame

Otago Polytechnic Students' Association Tel/fax 477-6974
Dunedin College of Education Students’ Association 03 4741929

Media Release

For immediate release: Monday 1st March 2004

Students mark Hollywood’s Big Day with Dunedin Walk of Shame

National and local student leaders are marking today’s Academy Awards by bringing a touch of Hollywood to Dunedin, in a Walk of Shame of ministers who have seen student debt skyrocket.

The Walk of Shame outside the Dunedin College of Education and Otago Polytechnic Students’ Association targets those tertiary education ministers who have allowed student debt to exceed $6 billion – Lockwood Smith, Wyatt Creech, Max Bradford and Steve Maharey.

“While the film industry is acknowledging achievement, students are today highlighting a lack of achievement – failure to do anything to stop the debt monster growing, “ said Fleur Fitzsimons, Co-President of the New Zealand University Students’ Association.

“Successive tertiary ministers and their governments have been walking over students for far too long,” said Rachel Dibble, President of the Otago Polytechnic Students’ Association. “For a while today, we get a chance to walk all over them to show what we think of their high fees, no living allowances and high debt policies.”

Brendan O’Neill, President of the Dunedin College of Education Students’ Association, says that current Steve Maharey still has time to improve his performance. “If Maharey can use his leading role to ensure a living allowance for all students, students would no longer be forced to borrow to pay for basics like rent and food.”

For further information contact:
Rachel Dibble
OPSA President 0211294203

Brendan O’Neill
DCESA President: 021187 1433

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