NZUSA call on minister to provide Universal Education Income

The New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations (NZUSA) are continuing their push for a temporary Universal Education Income with an open letter to Minister of Education Chris Hipkins. 

According to NZUSA, “A Universal Education Income (UEI) is a weekly payment that would be available to all students – no matter their age or what they study.” 

NZUSA National President Andrew Lessells said that while the current support of the $20 million to the Hardship Fund for learners is welcome, it isn’t enough. 

“We need more than an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. There needs to be accessible income support for every student in Aotearoa,” Lessells said. 

A study conducted by NZUSA in partnership with Te Mana Ākonga and Tauira Pasifika in 2020 estimated the cost to the Government of implementing a UEI as about $2.5 billion more annually. For reference, the total Covid-19 support for tertiary education planned for in the 2021 budget was $1.4 billion. 

“We recognise that this is a bold ask, but when our students are struggling to survive, we need bold action. Across Aotearoa thousands of students are considering dropping out because they can’t afford to live. If we want New Zealand to have the skills it needs for the future, we can’t afford to fail them,” Lessells said. 

The model proposed by NZUSA would increase the base student allowance to $75 per week. 

“We want to work with [the] Government to make sure students can afford to survive. But they need to listen to the voices of students that are crying out. The Minister needs to wake up to this reality and help us,” Lessells said.