The Rachel Report

Tēnā Koutou Katoa – ngā mihi mahana ki o koutou.
Warm greetings to you all – welcome to Polytech for 2005. It is a big change to spend time studying at a tertiary institution these days – so whether you are continuing studies or here for the first time I wish you the best of success – both academically and personally.
All about OPSA

Team OPSA is here working for you in many ways. If you need advocacy or advice, an emergency loan/grant or just a coffee and a chat, then come up and see us. It is vital that you are well supported while you study – the last thing you need is study stress!

OPSA is student run – if you are interested in being part of the OPSA executive, or want to be a class representative then check out your free (just like your education should be) issue of gYRo. There are many things offered to you beyond study – UniPol gym, Clubs and Societies and the great coffee at the café to help through the day! Remember to collect your free diary, pen and wall planner when you get your student ID up here in the OPSA office.

HOT DEAL!! $7 Billion Student DEBT*

The Labour government has failed to deliver for students over the last two terms, with pathetic attempts at changes to the spectacular failure that is the Student Loan Scheme. Students and Graduates owe well over $7 Billion and is clearly a burden on society as our graduates are leaving Aotearoa, choosing not to have children, or are unable to buy a house.

*incl. bonus compounding interest!

Helen got it for free… why not me?

Maybe it is early senility but scores of Baby-boomers are conveniently forgetting they had a free education! With this shedding of responsibility it looks like they are feathering their financial nests with little regard for the younger generations. Adding to this, Helen Clarks’ most recent farce is to urge parents to save for their kid’s tertiary education. So, you can’t afford a house, or save for superannuation and you owe $37k…but please…save $30K for your kids’ education…

To be involved in a CAMPAIGN GROUP come up to the OPSA office on Level 1 of the Student Centre or email opsa@tekotago.ac.nz.

This year Orientation is rocking with the Gladeyes, Concord Dawn, Dei Hamo and the legendary Violent Femmes playing on 2 March to name a few. Absolutely Femme-tastic!

Indebtly, as always,

Rachel
OPSA President