Covid-19 Response
At the beginning of 2020, our year had been mapped out. As COVID-19 came closer to New Zealand shores, it became increasingly clearer that our plans needed to change. We adapted to the changing environment and continue to be a strong voice for students in these unprecedented and challenging times.
Open Letter to Minister Hipkins on Student Support During COVID-19
The 50 student associations, councils and organisations that developed the National Student Action Plan on COVID-19 have released an open letter to the Minister of Education, calling on him to introduce a temporary Universal Education Income (UEI).
As the letter states: “Students are some of the most precarious in society. Their casual jobs have dried up, their one-off jobs have disappeared. They are often not eligible for other income support such as the Wage Subsidy and are forced to borrow to survive.”
It is crucial that the Government continue to support students, no matter their background, age or degree they are studying. All students need support to continue in tertiary education and we need bold action from the Government to make sure we don’t fail a generation of tauira.
Read the Open Letter to Minister Hipkins on Student Support During COVID-19
National Student Action Plan on COVID-19 (August 2021)
The National Tertiary Student Action Plan on Covid-19 has been re-developed in response the August 2021 lockdown. The plan was developed in collaboration with forty-eight students' associations from across Aotearoa New Zealand - including Te Mana Ākonga, Tauira Pasifika and the National Disabled Students Association.
Lockdowns continue to disrupt the lives of many students, putting them into vulnerable positions. Many lose part-time or casual work and experience significant mental health and wellbeing challenges.
It is crucial that tertiary providers and the Government continue to support students, no matter their background, age or degree they are studying. that is why we have re-introduced a fresh action plan, one that builds on the past requirements and points out the essential student support required.
Our action plan includes three things:
As a temporary measure, extend all income support from StudyLink to all domestic students as a temporary Universal Education Income (UEI).
Significantly increase resources allocated to the COVID-19 Hardship Fund to ensure that all students have the financial support they need to make it through lockdown.
Increase funding for mental health support to ensure that students remain supported during a period of isolation.
The National Tertiary Student Action Plan has been sent senior leaders at universities and polytechnics across Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Ministers responsible for Education and Social Development.
Read the August 2021 National Student Action Plan on COVID-19
Securing Student Support
As a result of the pressure placed on the Government by students, ourselves, Te Mana Ākonga, Tauira Pasifika and the National Disabled Students’ Association representatives meet frequently with officials from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Development and the Tertiary Education Commission to inform them of the issues that students are experiencing on the ground.
National Student Action Plan on COVID-19
The National Tertiary Student Action Plan on Covid-19 was developed in collaboration with forty-five students' associations from across the country in the days leading up to the Covid-19 Alert Levels 3 and 4 lockdown. Alongside, Te Mana Ākonga and Tauira Pasifika we coordinated the work, and with the exception of AUTSA, all students' associations (Māori, Pasifika and Pākehā) signed it. The Action Plan outlined clear asks from students, both financial and non-financial that were directed at the government and tertiary providers. The Action Plan was predicated on the reality that Covid-19 left many students in very vulnerable and precarious positions, with many students losing part-time or casual jobs and unable to cover essential weekly costs. This was compounded by the limited weekly income available through StudyLink.
Our asks included introducing a universal student allowance for the duration of the lockdown, relaxing StudyLink eligibility criteria for 2021, increased free mental health available to students, extending the Winter Energy Payment to students, recording all classes, making alternative arrangements for assessments and providing all students in need with devices and/or internet to allow them to continue studying during the lockdown. The National Tertiary Student Action Plan was sent to senior leaders at universities and polytechnics across Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Ministers responsible for Education and Social Development.
China Travel Ban
When the first travel ban from China was introduced, against the recommendation of WHO, we courageously criticised the government's response and released an open letter alongside the New Zealand International Students' Association. We argued that the travel ban from China was racist and fuelled hysteria that coronavirus is a “Chinese” disease.
Our Wins
With the combined pressure of external advocacy in the media and internal government lobbying, we were able to achieve significant national wins for students. This included the establishment of the $20 million Hardship Fund for Learners (HAFL) and the $20 million Technology Access Fund for Learners (TAFL), and a $1000 course-related costs increase, all of which provided students with money to continue studying during the Covid-19 lockdown. Further to this, we advocated for the expansion of free mental health services for tertiary students which resulted in a $25 million boost to mental health funding for tertiary students. These wins are separate to the wins that we achieved for students in student accommodation, and the local wins that we and our members achieved for students.
