Otago Polytechnic Backs Living Allowance

Otago Polytechnic Backs Living Allowance

Otago Polytechnic Council today endorsed a NZUSA petition to establish a universal student allowance. “Otago Polytechnic Council’s unanimous support of a living allowance for all students shows great understanding of the severe issues facing many students” said OPSA President, Rachel Dibble.

“With Council and community support there is a clear message to the government that student debt is unacceptable.” The petition is part of a national campaign seeking to gain living allowances for all tertiary students. Currently less than a third of full-time students are eligible for the student allowance, “others are forced to borrow simply to eat and pay rent” said Ms Dibble. The upcoming budget will be telling.

“ With student debt rapidly approaching $7b this may be the government’s last chance to make a positive change and rectify ten years of generational theft” said Ms Dibble.

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