Waikato Campus Occupied by Fightback!

PR Fightback!

The Fightback! campaign for Free Education, in conjunction with the Waikato Students Union, have occupied and taken control of their Registry, and the whole three floors of B block.

The occupation commitee has been elected and students voted to have a child friendly occupation. They are establishing a creche to highlight the plight of students with young children on campus.

Over 60 students are occupying the building, in a peaceful two day protest that is demanding the abolition of tuition fees, the cancellation of student debt, and the introduction of a Universal Student Living Allowance to replace the disastorous Students Loan scheme.

"The honeymoon for the Labour Party is over. Many students who voted left at the last election expect the damage done by the last 16 years of free market extremism to be repaired and addressed. We find it rich that Labour MPS who themselves benifited from Free Education tell this generation it is "unrealistic", and expect us to suffer debt and poverty in silence." said Fightback Organiser Joe Carolan.

The occupation committee has invited Vice Chancellor Brian Gould and Hamilton Mayor Russ Rimmington to a public debate on Free Education at the Occupation, tomorrow at 4pm. Both support Free Education and oppose User Fees, and Fightback will be putting forward their plans for an end to student poverty and debt to them.

"This is not a selfish struggle on behalf of students. This fight is to guarantee the right of all New Zealand citizens and people in the Waikato community to an adequately funded tertiary education. We call on the community and trade unions to support our occupation, and bring us food, water and messages of support. After all, this campus belongs to us all."

Fightback Waikato be contacted at 025 6169177. Further press releases will come from the Occupation Committee.

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