Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

Labour will make the first $5,000 of income tax-free, whether that be from a student
allowance or part-time work. This will mean students will be $500 a year better off as
well as not having to pay GST on fresh fruit and vegetables.
Labour will review the impact of National‟s changes to student loan scheme eligibility,
and reverse or alter those changes if it is shown that they have had a negative impact
on completing post-graduate courses or on the participation of those from underrepresented
groups such as Māori and Pacific students.
Over the longer-term, once economic conditions improve, Labour will resume
expanding eligibility to the student allowance scheme, as resources allow, by
increasing the parental income threshold.
Labour will continue and refine scholarships targeted to support those from lowincome
backgrounds into high cost courses, as well as investigating bonded
scholarship schemes for study in key areas such as health sciences.
Labour will immediately restore $2 million to the Training Incentive Allowance and
commit to further increases over time so people on social welfare benefits can obtain
qualifications that give greater opportunity for themselves and their children.
The years immediately following graduation are critical to consolidate the careers of
scientists. With the removal of post-doctoral scholarships in 2010, New Zealand has lost
hundreds of our best brains overseas.
Labour will reinstate post-doctoral fellowships for recent PhD graduates, scaling up to
a cost of $6 million a year, so they are supported into research careers in New
Zealand instead of overseas.
Student Associations
Labour believes that student associations play a critical role in the success of students in
tertiary institutions, including through direct welfare and pastoral support, advocacy with
tertiary institutions, government departments and other agencies, and the provision of
sporting, cultural, entertainment, media and other services. These services are generally
provided in a very cost-effective way, and are run by students for students.
Over the years student associations have been behind the creation and development of
some of the major initiatives that have supported students such as Student Job Search,
University Games, student newspapers and radio, student health and counselling services,
hardship funds, subsidised bus transport, gym and recreation facilities, clubs and societies
facilities, bookshops and much more.
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