United Offer Students Relief

The Aotearoa Post-compulsory Student Union welcomed the United Party's bold plan for tertiary education that was unveiled at Canterbury University yesterday.

"The Hon Peter Dunne and United New Zealand have identified flaws in the current tertiary policy being implemented by the National led government," said President John Barkess. "The fact that an ally of the government has acknowledged that current tertiary policies are unsustainable and inequitable is a significant step forward."

"United have expressed concern over the apparent incentive for under twenty-five year olds to stay at home. They have recognised that the tax payers money would be better utilised by providing a universal allowance to students over the age of twenty rather than paying them to stay at home on the community wage."

United have also promised to increase the governments contribution to 80% of course costs (currently 72.4%), address the interest rate on student loans and introduce scholarships and more realistic bursaries.

"What we are hearing from political parties is that the current funding of tertiary education is flawed. We are hearing that the loan scheme is out of control and National have failed to act in a decisive manner to address the issue," said Barkess.

"APSU Student Union is looking forward to the inequities surrounding current tertiary policy being addressed by an incoming government."

© Scoop Media