The students left rattling around in university halls are living a strange existence - isolated from family, friends, and normal life. Meanwhile, many of the students who have left their accommodation to spend lockdown at home are still paying for rooms they can't use. The Green Party's tertiary education and youth affairs spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick talks to Māni Dunlop.
The Ministry of Social Development says there is help available for students whose employment or income has been affected. The Ministry's general manager of centralised services Jason Dwen provided the following information:
"We are here to help and have a range of supports that may be available for students whose employment or income has been affected. This may include help with urgent bills, income support, or support getting a job or training.
"We may be also able to help with other costs that are urgent or unexpected, or harder to cover, such as food or accommodation.
"Any students who are in urgent need of assistance should get in touch through our Studylink line on 0800 88 99 00.
"The Hardship Fund for Learners (HAFL) remains available for the 2021 calendar year too – it serves two purposes:
- to provide assistance to learners facing hardship as a result of COVID-19, and
- provide funding to learners for technology-related costs where COVID-19 restrictions remove the options for face-to-face study.
- There's more information on the Tertiary Education Commission website.
"If you have been undertaking part-time work in order to contribute to your tertiary education costs, you may be able to get help from the wage subsidy scheme.
"There’s further Covid 19 information for students here: https://www.studylink.govt.nz/about-studylink/news/2021/covid-19-information-for-students.html
"It’s worth checking in with tertiary providers and student associations who may also be offering some assistance for those affected by the impact of COVID."
