Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Maori Students' Assoc still fighting new student union law

Updated at 7:33 pm on 5 October 2011

The Maori Students' Association says it's declaring war on the passing of legislation to make student union membership voluntary by seeking an urgent hearing at the Waitangi Tribunal.

The Association says it's gone to the Tribunal to put its opposition on public record.

Students have held a string of demonstrations in the lead up to the law being passed last week and more protests are planned.

Students claim the law will take away sustainable funding for welfare, education and advocacy services.

Te Mana Akonga's president or tumuaki Jacqualene Poutu says she's waiting to hear from the Waitangi Tribunal.

She says even though the Tribunal can only offer recommendations, she says at least it will be on record.

Ms Poutu says its application has come as a last resort after trying for the past two years to lobby the government not to enforce the legislation.

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