The First Win

Over 200 overseas and local students marched on Parliament on Friday, 15 June, to protest at the discriminatory fees imposed on overseas students. The following week, Mery Wellington announced that the fee decision was under review. Then, on Budget day, he revealed that the Government had decided to exempt overseas students currently studying in New Zealand secondary schools from the new regulations.

This decision has its roots directly in the campaign waged by overseas students and NZUSA against the discriminatory fee. Of all the attacks the Government has made on education, the fee is the most hard to justify and the most obvious example of the Government's callous attitude towards education.

It also clearly exposes its arrogant disregard for its responsibility towards the developing countries in the region. (In fact, Merv told NZUSA and NOSAC reps that NZ educational opportunities are not part of this country's aid commitment: a big departure from previous statements.)

The decison on overseas secondary students is a victory, but the war is not over. 70 students have been given a reprieve. The struggle against the discriminatory fee continues; it deserves our support.