The Green Party has strongly criticized the government's decision to scrap the fees-free tertiary education scheme, calling it 'outrageous'. Finance Minister Nicola Willis confirmed the scheme will be ditched in the upcoming Budget, following comments made by NZ First Leader Winston Peters.
The fees-free policy, introduced in 2018, provided one year of free tertiary education for first-time students. The government argues the scheme was not cost-effective and that funds could be better used elsewhere.
Green Party education spokesperson Chloe Swarbrick said the move would disproportionately affect low-income students and increase barriers to higher education. 'This is a short-sighted decision that will harm our future workforce,' she said.
The government has not yet announced any replacement policy, but Willis indicated that targeted support for students in need may be considered.
