The Green Party has pledged to raise student allowances by 20 percent and make it available to everyone who studies.
Green Party co-leader James Shaw unveiled the policy at Otago University today. Photo: RNZ / Ian Telfer
Leader James Shaw said the rise in the cost of living and higher rents were making life increasingly hard for students.
"Raising all allowances means that all eligible students under 24-years-old, not living with their parents, will receive $39.50 more every week than they do now, and students over 24 not living with their parents will receive an extra $47.40 a week," he said.
It's estimated single parents who are studying would get an extra $130.
Otago University students at Greens co-leader James Shaw's announcement of the party's student allowance policy. Photo: RNZ / Ian Telfer
"Students learning crucial skills like medicine and dentistry should be supported to complete their degrees so we will abolish the seven year cap on student loans," said Mr Shaw.
The party also confirmed its plan to give tertiary students and apprentices free public transport during off-peak hours.
It said students were the only group in society expected to borrow to get by, and study should be a way out of poverty, not a way into it.
As part of its students policy package, the Greens would also give more support to students with disabilities.
It also said it supported Labour's plan for three free years of tertiary education.
