April 03, 2006

The Nat & Dick Show

While the Labour Party MPs congratulate themselves for making the Student Loan Scheme fairer for students, I am still here. As you feel a little more free from your debt burden, I am still here. Sure this policy puts a clink in my armour but I am far from mortally wounded. In fact I am growing every day, getting larger with every course related cost, every fee increase and every living cost payment. I am still here.

This policy change does nothing to help you pay the power bill or put food on the table. This policy does not address the issues on unfairness that surrounds the means testing of parents of students under 25 years old. This does little to return the New Zealand education system to one that values learning and learners above all else. Yes it is a tiny little baby step in the right direction but that is all it is, because I am still here.

If you really want me gone you will have to fight long and hard for a policy change that ensures a return to a free education. The same system that provided a debt-free education to the MPs, CEOs, Institution managers and Council Chairs who are committed to further indebting you with additional fees rises and restricted access to allowances. So enjoy your interest-free loans but remember I am still here.

Love the Debt Monster.