NZUSA calls for increased support for students

The New Zealand Union of Students' Associations (NZUSA) have asked the government to “step up for students” with further support during the changing Alert Levels and amid a time of high stress for many students in New Zealand’s tertiary institutions. National president of NZUSA, Andrew Lessells, says the “Government needs to step up for students to make sure they can access technology, to make sure they can pay their rent, to make sure they can afford to survive”. 

The list of things that NZUSA is demanding of the Government includes doubling funding for student mental health, more funding for tertiary institutions to teach remotely, and a reintroduction of the Student Hardship Fund for those who had lost jobs and experienced financial challenges because of Covid-19. 

“Last year’s $25 million for student mental health was a good start, but this yo-yoing proves that far more is needed. This is the most stressful time to be a student in generations and that’s why NZUSA is asking the Government to double funding for student mental health,” says Andrew. 

According to Andrew, it’s necessary for the Government to step in with increased funding because many universities and most polytechnics don't have the resources to transition their courses to decent online delivery. He says NZUSA is working with their members and partners to ensure that students’ needs are met at this challenging time.