Occupation ends on high note

Occupation ends on high note

The occupation of the University of Canterbury Registry Building ended at 6.30 pm this evening after three and a half hours of negotiation between student representatives and the Vice Chancellor, with the assistance from representatives from the Association of University Staff.

“Students demonstrated an ability to make a real difference. We brought three issues to the meeting, all of which were addressed”, said Jarrod Gilbert President-Elect of the University of Canterbury Students’ Association and one of the student delegates.

“The Vice Chancellor has agreed to host a meeting of representatives from students staff and university management from all universities to discuss key issues affecting the sector. These include fees and loans, access to and the quality of university education. We hope this meeting will lead to a call for a national independent inquiry into university education in New Zealand”.

Students at Canterbury are outraged by the fee increase. “We’re more determined than ever to vote in a government which will address the crisis in tertiary education,” said protester Ellen Murray.

“While we have issues with the University management, and are extremely disappointed with the fee increase for next year, we are aware we have much in common with University staff and even University management. This makes this meeting vital for the future of New Zealand’s university sector.

Both parties agreed to act in good faith. We made it clear that for us that means that students’ actions in the future will be determined by students’ assessment of the University acting in good faith”.

Student President, Darel Hall, who was a negotiator at the meeting, said “This action moves New Zealand towards a fairer system of tertiary education”

For further information contact
Jarrod Gilbert 374 9530 or 364 2652 ext 7185
Darel Hall 364 2652 ext 3934

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