UNZ statement on Labour's tertiary education policy

Universities New Zealand sees this announcement as a hugely positive step for overcoming barriers faced by a number of potential students. 

The Executive Director of Universities New Zealand, Chris Whelan, says, "We know that loans put off some people from entering study – even when they are interest free.  This is particularly the case for people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who are not sure about the returns from an education.  It’s also the case for people taking time out of the workforce to re-skill.  These people often already have mortgages and other financial commitments and are reluctant or unable to take on more debt.”

However, this announcement doesn’t deal with the issue of long-term under funding in New Zealand’s universities.  Universities have experienced a significant reduction in real per-student funding over the past fifteen years.  This has resulted in a steadily worsening teacher to student ratio and a gradual fall in our international rankings.”

“We trust that Mr Little will also commit to lifting the institutional funding that will be needed to maintain teaching quality for the increased numbers of students.  Without this, this policy will just hasten the decline in the quality of our university system.”