Nurses Welcome Labour Plan for Universal Allowance

Media Release:
Nurses Welcome Labour’s Plan for Universal Allowances

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is delighted that the Labour Party has announced policy on a universal student allowance for all tertiary students.

The universal allowance will mean that by 2012 student nurses will have access to an allowance to assist them to live while studying.

With student debt now more than $10 billion NZNO acknowledges that a student allowance is the first step in making tertiary education more accessible.

“The academic costs for students to complete a Bachelors’ Degree in Nursing can be more than $15,000 for a three-year degree,” said National Student Unit Chairperson Michelle Wipiiti.

“Student debt is clearly a significant issue. We are extremely pleased that the Labour Party has listened to students and has acted to try and decrease the costs associated with studying. Students will no longer have to borrow to live,” Wipiiti said.

“Students are clearly looking at what the political parties are prepared to offer for students. I think it is fair to say that student nurses will be very enthusiastic about Labour’s policy,”Wipiiti said.

In 2008 NZNO undertook a survey of its student members and the findings were that almost half were working while studying “A universal student allowance should allow students the choice to determine whether they wish to work or not. Currently students are forced to work if they do not want to go into debt to meet their living costs,” said Professional Nursing Advisor Suzanne Rolls.

ENDS

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