> Media Release – 10 October 2012 – For Immediate Use
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> Students' prepare to 'Fight the Fees.'
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> University of Auckland students are hosting a street party this Wednesday 10th October in order to raise awareness about tuition fee rises and promote debate around the commercialization of education. This protest is the first in a campaign called 'Fight the Fees.'
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> University of Auckland students fees have gone up by 4% every year since 2010, the maximum allowed by law.

> Students have gathered signatures on a petition to halt this year's fee rises. Fee rises are set by the University Council and the next meeting is set for 4pm on Monday 15th October.
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> The students behind the campaign, Fight the Fees, say "claims to austerity become laughable when our Vice-Chancellor is getting paid $800,000, while 15% of students are living in absolute financial distress and aren't able to afford basic accommodation, food and clothing requirements.
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> "We are sick of this mindless politics of austerity, which makes education into a privilege for the rich or puts students and families into a lifetime of debt," the students continue.
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> New Zealand currently has the seventh highest tertiary education fees in the developed world.*
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> The street party will include speakers, spoken word, bands, street art, an open student forum on 'What to do next?" and a trip to see the Vice Chancellor to present him with the petition.
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> Any students wishing to join the street party are encouraged to meet in the AUSA Quad at 2pm today
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> ENDS

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