NZ First Up Front Investment Policy Puts Students First

Sunday, 4 September 2016, 5:58 pm
Press Release: NZUSA

NZ First Up Front Investment Policy Puts Students First

Sept 3

The New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations (NZUSA) warmly welcomes the Up Front Investment policy announcement by Tracey Martin and New Zealand First at their conference today. This policy transforms a student’s financial debt into a skills debt which would be paid off by working in New Zealand for the same number of years that one studied.

NZUSA is pleased to see another political party taking the issue of student debt seriously.

“We know Tracey and NZ First are committed to addressing the barriers that student loans create while balancing the obligation that graduates have to the country that has educated them” says NZUSA President Linsey Higgins.

“We know Tracey and the NZ First team have spent months working on a robust and fiscally sound policy that addresses the impacts of student debt and builds on previous policies from the party’s manifesto.”

“Student debt is currently impacting on people’s ability to start families, buy houses and prepare for retirement.”

“Significant variances in course costs and graduate wages can see some of our most important members of society such as nurses and teachers left with the burden of debt for longer. This policy treats all graduates as equal. One year’s study equals one year of skills commitment.”

“If implemented, this policy would be a game changer for students”.

“While we celebrate this policy announcement, NZUSA is committed to working with all political parties to ensure the best outcomes for tertiary students”.

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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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• Physical Address - Level 8 Education House, Wellington, 6011
• Postal Address - PO Box 101091 Wellington
• Phone - +64 27 868 4989