Auckland University Students’ Association Demands Action From Politicians; Releases The Students' Manifesto

Auckland, New Zealand, 23 Oct 2025

Te Rōpū Kahikatea, the Auckland University Students’ Association (TRK AUSA), is proud to officially release the Students’ Manifesto, a bold and comprehensive document representing the collective voice of over 47,000 students at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.

Shaped by extensive consultation with students, this manifesto outlines urgent issues facing students today – from unaffordable transport costs and rising rents to underfunded education and mental health services. It calls on political leaders to listen, engage, and act in the lead up to the 2026 election.

“Students are the future of this country. We deserve to be heard and represented in policy making,” said Matthew Lee, Undergraduate Education Vice President and Chair of the Students’ Manifesto Working Group. “Students carry the legacy of being great change makers. We have led, and continue to lead, major social movements.”

The manifesto features three major pillars, ranging from economy, education, and community. They are divided into topics that represent some of the most pressing issues facing students today.

TRK AUSA urges all political parties to read the manifesto and incorporate its recommendations into their policy platforms, but more importantly genuinely engage with our student bodies.

You can find the Students’ Manifesto here: www.ausa.nz/manifesto

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