Tertiary students studying in Auckland and across the country face an uncertain future as the academic year draws to a close and the Government fails to provide a plan around travel during lockdown, National’s Tertiary Education spokesperson Penny Simmonds says.

“It’s just another example of this Government’s play it by ear attitude to education – and it’s a real slap in the face for tertiary students who’ve already faced huge disruption to their studies in the wake of the Delta lockdown.

“University and polytechnic students need certainty now, in the lead-up to their final exams. They need to have a clear plan from the Government on what’s likely to happen once the academic year draws to a close.

“November is traditionally the month where thousands of tertiary students move all over the country heading home from their studies for the summer break. But for Auckland students the Government has remained silent on what the future holds for them – either because they don’t know, or they’ve yet to even consider the options.

“Either way it’s going to affect lots of people. There are no clear plans on whether students will be able to cross boundaries, with an exemption, and return home, or whether those who have a double vaccination will be allowed to travel.

"For example will a student from Northland, studying at Lincoln, be able to drive through Auckland with an exemption, or will a double-vaccinated Southland student, studying at AUT, be allowed to return home after a negative Covid test.

“Many students will have accommodation arrangements that run out at the end of the year, while others simply won’t be able to afford to stay on in Auckland once their study is complete, but where will they go if the Government doesn’t have a plan?

“Students don't need this added level of uncertainty during stressful exam times and the Government needs to come up with a robust plan before we all end up in Covid chaos.”