Only 12.8% Of AUT Loan Applications Processed

Auckland University of Technology

WINZ figures obtained today by AuSM, the Students’ Association at Auckland University of Technology, show that only 12.8% of AUT students who have applied for student loans have had their account activated.

Of the 5197 students who applied for student loans through WINZ, only 666 have had the money credited to their bank accounts.

Student President Michael Heard was dismayed by the figures following a claim that “there is no significant backlog [in loan application processing]” made by WINZ head Christine Rankin on the 17 February. “Looking at the figures released by WINZ, it’s obvious that either Ms Rankin is trying to deceive the public about the magnitude of the problem, or she doesn’t actually know what is going on in her own organisation.”

Most AUT students started classes today. Mr Heard believes “the financial and emotional strain is really starting to show for those students who haven’t yet had their loan processed.”

“Student Support Services are under incredible strain as they try and deal with the numbers of students who need help. The AUT Financial assistance officers are currently booked up to 7 days in advance, despite increasing the size of their team. Furthermore, this situation has forced our organisation into operating a foodbank to try and alleviate the hardship that most students are currently facing. ”

“I challenge Ms Rankin to justify her comments that “there is no significant backlog” in light of the figures released by WINZ today” Mr Heard concluded.

ENDS

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