VUWSA and New Zealand

Over the last two years New Zealand has started to feel the effects of the economic crisis. There has been a steady erosion of people's living standards, rising unemployment and increased restrictions on New Zealanders' civil liberties. This has meant that society generally and students in particular have tended to be more conservative and insular in their outlook on life.

Students can no longer afford to stay too long at University, so it is essential that they obtain a degree in the shortest possible time. However, in order to get a job in an increasingly narrowing market, the degree must be a 'good one'. The combination of continual assessment heavier workloads and increased competition has meant that students have had less time to participate in extra-curricular activity, whether it be social, cultural, sporting or political.

There is a tendency to wipe students off as completely apathetic, conservative and disinterested. However, over the last two years students have at times displayed tremendous interest and activity. The most obvious example is that of the SIS demonstrations in October last year, where a 1500 strong student march from Varsity joined the main demonstration, in spite of the fact that students were in the middle of studying for exams.

Students have also shown strong concern over the other questions of democratic rights, such as abortion and an education for all and not just the few that can afford it.

Perhaps the most promising event that has occurred is the formation of the Progressive Student Alliance which is the first real organised attempt to combat the growing trend to the right within the Students' Association and New Zealand society. It is to be hoped that the base that has been developed can be strengthened next year.