Student debt hits $9 billion

Tuesday, 27 March 2007, 12:54 am
Press Release: NZ Union of Students' Associations

Student debt hits $9 billion

The New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations (NZUSA) is marking student debt hitting 9 billion dollars tomorrow.

“Students around the country will be marking another significant milestone of debt.” said Joey Randall, Co-President of NZUSA.

“While interest free took the sting out of debt it did nothing to address the drivers of debt. Fee increases have become inevitable and under Labour access to any form of student allowance has dropped to around 30% of eligible students.”

Living costs currently make up around 40% of student loans above 10,000 dollars and the average fees are around $4,000 a year.

“Students call upon the Government to immediately introduce a living allowance for all students and finally tackle the drivers of debt.”

ENDS

Student actions planned around the country

University of Auckland
A rally is planned in the University Quad at 1pm to “burry student debt”

Albany Campus, Massey
A rally in the University Atrium from 12pm where students will be “sending Michael Cullen a message” through a large letterbox.

Waikato University
Students will stage an 80’s style game show with speeches on their green from 1pm.

Massey University

Victoria University
Students will will be staging an action an Lambton Quay from 12pm.

Lincoln University
Students will have speeches and a BBQ on the sunken lawn from 12pm.

Otago University
Students will rally in their quad at 1pm with bands and cake.

Otago Polytechnic
Students will have cake to mark another debt milestone.

© Scoop Media

NZUSA - New Zealand Union of Students' Associations

We stand for opportunity, for all.

NZUSA is the New Zealand Union of Students' Associations, the national body that represents New Zealand's students' associations and the interests of New Zealand's 400,000 students at universities, polytechnics and in trades training.

We conduct original research, advocate to Government and through the media, and support New Zealand's students' associations to be more effective on behalf of their members. We advocate alongside Te Mana Akonga – The National Māori Students' Association, and Tertiary Women New Zealand – The NZUSA Women's Caucus.

Since 1929, we've believed in a society rich in opportunity, where anyone from anywhere can become any thing. We support accessible, affordable quality public tertiary education.

Contact NZUSA - New Zealand Union of Students' Associations

• Website - www.students.org.nz
• Twitter - @studentsnz
• Email - president@students.org.nz
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• Postal Address - PO Box 101091 Wellington
• Phone - +64 27 868 4989