Media Release; OP Fees Raised by Maximum

Otago Polytechnic Council today increased fees by the maximum allowed under the fee maxima policy. Most students studying at Otago Polytechnic in 2007 will now see their fees be raised by 5% on the 2006 levels.

This is the third 5% fee raise passed the Otago Polytechnic Council in as many years.

"Students will have now seen a virtual 16% increase in their fees since 2004. This completely out strips inflation" states Richard Mitchell, OPSA, Co-president.

"It is disappointing to see that the Council has backed away from their own commitment and responsibilities to barrier-free education" states Mr Mitchell.

The Otago Polytechnic Council also had the option of a zero percent fee rise.

"This would have sent a very obvious and bold statement to the government stating that the Council are not prepared to pass the costs of under-funding on to indebted students." said Ms Absalom, OPSA, Co-president.

Government under-funding contributes largely to the problem.

"While it would be easy to blame the Council for short-sighted money grabbing, but under-funding by successive governments is the root of the problem" says Natalie Absalom.