Student Bursary (Press, 30 April 1986)

In a letter published on 30 April 1986, Kevin J. Casey, a student from Lincoln College, critiques the New Zealand University Students' Association (N.Z.U.S.A.) for its recent proposals to the government regarding student financial support. The N.Z.U.S.A. has proposed an increase in weekly bursary payments from $70 to $115, as well as government coverage of tuition fees for foreign students, currently set at $9,000 per year. Additionally, the association is advocating for universities to employ full-time paid special group advisers to support various student demographics, including Māori, Pacific Islanders, women, overseas students, disabled individuals, mature students, part-time students, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Casey argues that the association's request for the bursary system to continue supporting students who fail their first year due to adjustment issues is excessive. He expresses strong disapproval of the proposals, describing them as "ridiculous and stupid in the extreme," particularly in the context of the current economic climate. Casey contends that the demands put forward by the N.Z.U.S.A. could undermine its credibility, suggesting that students should acknowledge the government's role in providing any form of bursary at all. Overall, the letter reflects a critical perspective on the ambitions of the student association amidst the financial constraints facing the government.

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