Students Occupy!

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Tuesday 12 October, 1999

Students Occupy!

Students at the University of Auckland today occupied the Information Center in the Old Arts Building to express anger at the state of the tertiary sector.

Since the occupation commenced at 1.30pm, a steady stream of students have passed through the occupation. “It is clear that, by the number of students here, that we have widespread support on campus,” said Kane Forbes, protest spokesperson.

“Ordinary students are here today to demand a fairer tertiary education system. The tertiary sector requires a substantial increase in funding to avoid further fee increases, that students clearly cannot afford, and also to provide quality education. New Zealand Universities are in severe danger of producing graduates with Mickey Mouse degrees,” said Kane Forbes.

“We also demand real access to tertiary education. This means ensuring through lower fees that everyone can attend tertiary institutions rather than making these institutions a playground for the rich,” continued Mr Forbes.

“The current government must take responsibility for the crisis in the tertiary sector that clearly has manifested itself through declining first year enrolments and in over $3 billion in student debt. We demand that the Minister of Tertiary Education, Max Bradford, resign immediately,” concluded Kane Forbes.

Contacts:

Kane Forbes 021 250 7342

Eva Neitzert 021 665 139

© Scoop Media