“Using most of my time for work has influenced my studies - I have less time and even though my jobs are flexible, I still have to put in more work for them in order to get the job done and get paid” she says.
“If the post graduate allowance was reinstated, I wouldn't have to work - I could use my time to actually work towards my thesis. I wouldn't have to stress about bills and food. The government still hasn't reinstated the post graduate allowance, but the cost of tertiary education or living costs in New Zealand hasn't decreased either. It feels like New Zealand is purposely turning into an elitist country, that I can't afford to stay in even though I'm a New Zealand citizen.”
NZUSA President Isabella Lenihan-Ikin says, “the reinstatement of post graduate student allowance is a vital step towards a barrier free education for all New Zealanders.”