Fee-free tertiary education move welcomed

Fee-free tertiary education move welcomed

The Labour Party’s plan to introduce fee-free tertiary education is an innovative step towards a more equitable and accessible public education system, NZEI Te Riu Roa says.

NZEI Te Riu Roa President Louise Green says the move would give young New Zealanders leaving school and Kiwis changing careers new hope and better opportunities.

"If we are to be the world's leading education nation, then this is the kind of thinking and policy shift we need to see. Not only is this policy good for young people who would otherwise be burdened by student debt, it is also good for the country and the economy because we know work in future will require learning throughout people's careers."

She said the policy should also open up the prospect of a teaching career to a more diverse range of people.

She said NZEI Te Riu Roa welcomed the signal the policy sent - reinforcing the value of free and equitable public education to ensure people of all backgrounds could achieve their potential.

"We applaud the Labour Party for making such a positive and bold move."

ENDS

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