Bill threatens very existence of student assocs

Bill threatens very existence of student associations

Students at NMIT are disappointed at the National Party’s initial support yesterday for a bill that would see the existence of student associations across the country threatened.

The Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill was introduced to the house by ACT Party MP Roger Douglas on 19 August 2009 and passed its first reading yesterday. The bill would force all student associations to offer membership on an opt-in basis.

The Student Association of Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology Incorporated (SANITI) provides vital services to NMIT students based in Nelson, Marlborough and its distant campuses in the form of advocacy, student support, jobs and accommodation services, and student representation.

“The bill promotes ‘freedom’, however, students already have choice about the membership structure of their association” says Rachel Boyack, Student President at NMIT.

“In 2002, students at NMIT voted for universal membership of their student association. Students are able to opt-out for reasons of hardship or conscientious objection. There are also processes in place for student members to force a referendum and make membership of SANITI opt-in” says Boyack.

“The current legislation allows for flexibility, and gives students control of their own affairs. That’s real freedom” says Boyack.

Similar legislation introduced in Australia saw many core services offered by student associations such as advocacy, and student clubs disbanded. Universities and Polytechs were left to replace the services, at a greater cost to the taxpayer, and the students.

Students are also concerned to see National lending support to a bill introduced by Roger Douglas.

“John Key assured New Zealanders that Roger Douglas would have limited involvement in policy making, and backed this up by refusing him membership of the Cabinet” says Boyack.

“John Key and the National party should have the courage to ignore Roger Douglas, and instead, look at the evidence in favour of student associations” says Boyack.

ENDS

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