Friday 13th Nightmare on Debt Street!


Students at Otago Polytechnic are today going to fight the worst horror
fiend of all the Student Debt Monster in the Otago Polytechnic Quad at
12p.m. Friday the 13th of May.

The latest Studylink figures show the number of students receiving allowances have fallen by over 20 percent since 2001. This is despite Governmental claims that it has increased access to student allowances.

"This year's changes to student allowance eligibility have seen more students forced into debt rather than fewer. This makes a mockery of Labour's promise to make education more affordable, they should be ashamed" said Rachel Dibble, President of the Otago Polytechnic Students' Association.

Student fees now make up approximately 60 percent of student and graduate debt, a situation unchanged under a Labour government.

"Neither Labour nor National have tackled or slowed down the Debt Monster both have increased fees, and indeed fees have doubled under Labour led governments since 1999" said Dibble.

Tomorrow being Friday 13th the finest horror villains will take on the Debt Monster in the Polytechnic Quad. OPSA wishes these villains success against Helen's pet Monster.


Filming starts on location at the Otago Polytechnic Quad at 12 noon.

Ends.
For more information contact:
Rachel Dibble
OPSA President
Phone 021 1294 203