AUSA and AUTSA are calling on the government to act now for Auckland's 70,000 tertiary students, as soaring living costs and fuel prices force many to question whether they can afford to come to campus at all. The associations have written to the Prime Minister and key ministers demanding free public transport, higher StudyLink payments, an extension of the $50 fuel support package, and financial relief for students on unpaid placements.
The University of Auckland Students Association (AUSA), alongside AUTSA, has been campaigning for a greater student support in response to ongoing cost of living and fuel price crisis, that is affecting tertiary students across Tāmaki Makaurau. Through an open letter addressed to the Prime Minister, relevant Ministers and Members of the Parliament, the associations have amplified the voices of more than 70,000 students.
The campaign calls for free public transport, increased weekly living costs payments, an extension of the government’s $50 fuel support package, and financial support for students undertaking unpaid placements.
Many students rely on personal transport to attend classes, placements and work while existing StudyLink living cost payments are increasingly becoming inadequate to meet everyday expenses in TāmakiMakaurau. As a result, students are being forced to make difficult decisions about whether or not they are able to afford coming to campus at all. AUSA has highlighted the long-term benefits of free public transport, not only as an immediate financial relief but also as a way to encourage more sustainable and accessible form of travel. The recent concession increase has already demonstrated a positive impact on students' mobility and participation.
As a part of the campaign, AUSA representative and volunteers have carried out extensive outreach and engagement across campus and surrounding areas. This has included running stalls, postering and speaking directly with students about cost living crisis affecting their lives. These efforts have focused on ensuring student experiences and concerns are heard directly by decision makers and that students are given opportunities to contribute to the movement for meaningful support. Many student responses have shown how strong these issues are impacting their day-to-day life and their wellbeing. By advocating collectively and mobilising students across campus, AUSA continues to push for practical solutions that support students through these issues.
Our next steps include delivering the petition directly to the government to ensure student voices are heard at national level. We are also currently planning a rally to further demonstrate the urgency of this issue and continue building momentum behind the campaign.
Together, we are pushing for meaningful action and making it clear that students should not be left behind during this crisis.