United Future
Since: Aug 2007
Posts: 314

UnitedFuture's bold policy to abolish tertiary fees

Posted in Discussion Forum at 02:06PM, 13 Oct 2008 ∞ Permalink

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne has proposed a bold new approach to tertiary education policy, which would see New Zealand as a nation that finally offers free education to its citizens from the age of 3 years old, right through to university and beyond.

Speaking at UnitedFuture’s campaign launch in Auckland this afternoon, Mr Dunne said, “We want a zero-fees policy for tertiary education in New Zealand, accompanied by a push to increase the quality of tertiary education and protect the value of New Zealand degrees.

“Under UnitedFuture’s policy, from January 2010, tertiary education fees will be free for New Zealanders whether they are learning part-time or fulltime at tertiary education institutions.”

Mr Dunne said a zero-fees policy addresses the true cost of education to learners, rather than giving a grant or allowance to try and offset the ever changing cost of living.

“This will benefit all students, not just full-time students who are the only ones eligible for the grossly unfair student allowance system, and will mean those in the workforce can up-skill and study part-time for absolutely no cost.

“In that sense, it offers more than universal allowances, because they do not help part-time learners.
... Read the full text of this article.

Brook Warner
Since: Oct 2008
Posts: 3

Posted at 02:06PM, 13 Oct 2008 ∞ Permalink

Has the level of academic attainment required to qualify been set? If so, what is it?

peter dunne
Since: May 2008
Posts: 38

Posted at 07:53AM, 14 Oct 2008 ∞ Permalink

The level of academic attainment required for entry to our scheme would be the sanme as is the case now, but we would also require students to pass a minimum number of papers each year to remain eligible for it in ongoing years

Damian Light
Since: Aug 2007
Posts: 36

Posted at 08:54AM, 14 Oct 2008 ∞ Permalink

I'm excited about this - finally free education that this country can afford !

Brook Warner
Since: Oct 2008
Posts: 3

Posted at 10:29AM, 14 Oct 2008 ∞ Permalink

Just thinking out loud here, but doing some very basic sums makes me slightly unsure - but im open to being convinced otherwise.

currently my loan is (i think) around $25,000.
That is a combination of the $150pw as well as $1000 per year course related costs, plus my fees.
If the student allowance is abolished to make way for no fees, i would have to borrow $150pw x 200 weeks. that equates to $30,000, right?

So while in principle i think this is a brilliant idea, is there any actual benefit for me?

carol bennett
Since: Oct 2007
Posts: 56

Posted at 05:23PM, 14 Oct 2008 ∞ Permalink

It seemed too good to be true.
It will definitely help those on high incomes the same as income splitting will do,but it's not going to help the strugglers like Tina.

carol bennett
Since: Oct 2007
Posts: 56

Posted at 06:00PM, 14 Oct 2008 ∞ Permalink

What's to become of the kids who live in rural areas,in particular the Maori children in the far north, when their parents can't afford to support them through universities?
Are they just to be left on the scrap heap while the rich kids get all the breaks?

Brook Warner
Since: Oct 2008
Posts: 3

Posted at 07:19PM, 14 Oct 2008 ∞ Permalink

After thinking about this policy more, i actually think that it has the priorities in the right place.

"when their parents can't afford to support them through universities?"
- they are still able to borrow $100+ a week for living costs, as many of us do now already.

the criteria for the current student allowance is very unfair. and a universal allowance isnt going to come into effect for 4 years, and will not affect the 40,000 kiwis with Student Loans who arent paying them back cos they have done a runner overseas

carol bennett
Since: Oct 2007
Posts: 56

Posted at 07:52PM, 14 Oct 2008 ∞ Permalink

Does daddy control the cheque book?

Karen Booth
Since: Nov 2008
Posts: 2

Posted at 04:10PM, 1 Nov 2008 ∞ Permalink

Yes having a free university education would be great but would it cheapen it. Would the standard be as high? I could see many students not applying themselves as much because who cares if I fail, it's free. At the moment if you fail its rather costly. Reducing fee's would be nice and the universal student allowance is also a good idea. As many people have parents who earn just over the amount allowed to receive a student allowance, but they don't receive any help from their parents.

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