Critics fear international students will be exploited under new rules designed to increase the number of foreigners studying here.
The Government is hoping to boost student numbers by allowing full time international students to work during holidays, masters and doctoral students to work 40 hours a week and English language students to do part-time work.
Previously, only some full time students with particular permits were allowed to work up to 20 hours a week.
Auckland University is thrilled with the changes, saying it will help it reach its goal of increasing the number of international students from 5000 at present to 8000 by 2020.
But the Labour Party says the policy takes jobs from New Zealanders, while the First Union says it opens the door for more migrant exploitation.
The Victoria University Students Association says international students are already struggling to get work, and because of that make up 25% of all foodbank requests.
