Rescue of Modern Age students complete

Minister of Education Trevor Mallard said today that all the international students affected by the closure of the Modern Age Institute of Learning have now been catered for through the combined rescue efforts of government agencies, local authorities and the education industry.

“There has been excellent collaboration across government agencies and private and state education providers to clean up the unfortunate mess created by the poor financial management of one single private education provider.

“It is extremely disappointing that this event has occurred but I am pleased to be able to report that the rescue package for students is complete, thanks to the rallying efforts of all concerned.

“The situation as of today is that all 400 or so students in Wellington, Tauranga and Auckland are receiving ongoing tuition and will complete their courses with other education providers.

“As I announced last week, government has made funds available to ensure that no student will have accommodation difficulties as a result of the Modern Age collapse.

“The small group of students yet to arrive in New Zealand will be contacted by government agencies and given advice on their individual circumstances. We will ensure that they too will be taken care of.

“Most of the providers who have stepped in to provide tuition for the Modern Age students were meeting their obligations as members of a group of English language schools signed up to a student tuition assurance scheme. However, the tuition rescue package was assisted by a number of other state and private education providers who came to the party.

“In Christchurch, the former Modern Age operation has been continued under new ownership.

“I am pleased that local body organisations in Wellington and Auckland have agreed to work with the Ministry of Education to administer the payment of homestay and other accommodation costs.

“Immigration officials have made arrangements for efficient and cost-free variations to visas as students have moved to different providers.
“I want to acknowledge the efforts of officials from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, the Ministry of Education and the New Zealand Immigration Service.

“NZQA moved to act as soon as the last audit of Modern Age indicated problems. Government agencies have gone beyond their core functions and have been central to putting matters right in the interests of students,” Trevor Mallard said.

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