Age Concern New Zealand media release
Education – 24 June 2009

Stop attacking senior education – Age Concern

Age Concern New Zealand says moves to cut tertiary education for over-65s are ageist and counter-productive.

"It's time to see older people as contributors to society, not as costs to be cut from balance sheets," Age Concern New Zealand president Liz Baxendine says.

Tertiary Education Minister Anne Tolley is threatening to axe student support for people aged 65 and over.

"Restrictions that only apply to older people would be morally and economically wrong," Liz Baxendine says.

"The senior population is the fastest growing sector of the workforce. New Zealand relies on them to fill skills gaps – but they need on-going training like everyone else.

"Older people outside paid work also have vital roles. Tertiary education institutions act as the critic and conscience of society. That means all sectors of society – not just the ones the minister thinks should be studying."

Most older people live on little more than superannuation and that only gives an income around $12,500 - $16,000 per person (after tax) annually. Mrs Baxendine says this only provides for a basic standard of living and wouldn't allow for university fees and books.

"Without Government support, many older people will be excluded from tertiary education. Universities, polytechnics, wananga, and society as a whole would be poorer for that."

"Infometrics' claim that older people are 'rorting the system for hobby courses' is despicable. It takes a high degree of commitment to tertiary study to be eligible for a student loan or allowance. To dismiss older people's study as hobby courses is patronising and ageist."

"Coming on top of cuts to adult and community education, older New Zealanders are being asked to bear the brunt of education cuts.

“We aren't asking for special treatment for older people; we are saying they have the same right to contribute to society and improve themselves as everyone else," Liz Baxendine says.

ENDS

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