Auckland University students are set to go on strike on Thursday 24th May. Students from across Auckland will gather outside the General Library on Alfred Street to demonstrate their opposition to the expected changes to essential student conditions in the National Government’s 2012 budget.

These changes include the capping of student allowances at four years, freezing the parental income threshold, increased repayment rates and punitive measures for overseas debtors.

The student action, endorsed by the Auckland University Students’ Association, as well as other workers’ unions and community groups, aims to highlight that accessible, quality education is a basic right for everyone in a democratic society.
Student activist Henri Carlos, studying for a Master of Arts in Sociology says, “These changes are another attack on students who struggle as it is. Heaping more debt on young people seems a very strange way to invest in our country’s future. The New Zealand University Students’ Association has just released a report that shows 15% of students live in ‘absolute financial distress’, but the government seems to think we are all living in a lap of luxury. Clearly they are not listening”
Mr Carlos continues, “Last years election saw the lowest voter turnout in 100 years, and nobody seems to realise that a large section of those people that didn’t bother to vote are young people who are alienated from a political class that wants to deny them opportunities. We are constantly being told how bad debt is, that we have too much debt, and yet here we are loading it on to students ”
Mr Carlos says that cutting allowance support to thousands of students will result in only the most wealthy students having access to occupations such as medicine, law and engineering; and means that students who may wish to pursue an academic career in the university will be unable to do so.
Students and their student associations have united to express their concerns over the changes to the student loan scheme.

Callum Newson-Brown, a current student pursuing a Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Property Conjoint at the University of Auckland posted ‘ Despite the current fiscal state of the government, education should never be the thing we sacrifice.’

Another student Helen Brown posted “Some students may look at the degrees offered and eliminate law/engineering conjoints and medicine because they know that by doing another (shorter) degree they won't have to stress over money issues.”

Ms Brown continued asking ‘Why are we discouraging students from lower-income families from undertaking postgraduate study? Seems a bit counter-intuitive to me.’

In another recent press release, New Zealand Medical Students’ Association President said “We want our students to focus on studying medicine, not worrying about how to meet the costs of living.”

Brendon Steen commented “The impact that this will have on post-graduate study is significant. It's those people who dedicate a significant period of their lives to higher education who are going to be the leaders of tomorrow - particularly in science, technology and engineering. By limiting student allowances to only four years of study, we're saying that only those who already enjoy a privileged position in society are invited to contribute to the continued improvement of this country. The biggest challenges that we face (as a society) are going to be solved by the people who excel in their chosen fields of post-graduate study. That is what Universities are for.”

Students wishing to participate in the strike should meet outside the General Library at 1pm on Thursday 24th May.

ENDS.

© Scoop Media