Joyce Appointment a Mixed Bag
Related articles
- The Innovation Agenda: Dr. Rick Boven News
- Finalists chosen for Songwriter of the Year comp Living
- Student loan bill will simplify loan repayments News
- No plan for private student loan company News
- Polybatics on verge of deal for nanotech payloads Business
- College has “high hopes” of medals Living
- Kiwi brain drain costs US$10K apiece: World Bank Business
- Public urged to have their say on Lincoln merger News
- Construction students benefit from collaboration News
- Student wins Bernina Fashion Awards Northland News
27 Jan 2010
EDUCATION - Auckland University Students’ Association President Elliott Blade says the appointment of Steven Joyce as Minister for Tertiary Education presents a mix of opportunities for the Tertiary Education Sector.“As a new MP, Mr Joyce brings no ideological baggage to the portfolio. Coupled with his track record as an innovative thinker in business, we believe Mr Joyce is a great fit for the portfolio.
“We hope he’ll put his creative thinking skills to use when dealing with some of the challenges in his portfolio, rather than rely on a failed formula of funding cuts and restructuring.
“From a local perspective, it’s also nice to have a Minister who calls Auckland home.
However, Mr Blade says that the appointment has generated some concern amongst students.
“Mr Joyce has a well deserved reputation as the Government’s “Mr Fix It”. His appointment raises the prospect that the Government is considering substantial changes in the Tertiary Education Sector.
“That could mean raising the cap for fee hikes or dismantling the Tertiary Education Commission. We hope that if Mr Joyce has been brought in to drive through change, he will signal this now.
“If substantial reforms are on the cards, there needs to be a full and frank public discussion with students,” says Mr Blade.
AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
