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Auckland students surround a police car - Source: Supplied -
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University students are taking their fight against student union legislation to Parliament.
The action is the latest in a string of protests by students who
are fighting the Act Party's bill to make Student Association
membership voluntary.
New Zealand Union of Students' Associations co-president David Do
says they are organising events at Victoria and Massey universities
in Wellington as well as Parliament tomorrow.
A large protest in Auckland yesterday saw hundreds of students barricade themselves in the top floor of the Owen Glenn building for several hours.
The group unfurled banners and chanted slogans before police were called to break up the protest. One student was arrested for trespass.
The protesters then moved to the Auckland Central police station on Cook Street and continued demonstrating, surrounding police cars and unfurling banners over the cars' windscreens. Some sat in the middle of the road.
They yelled at police to "let go" of the arrested student.
"This is an amazing turn-out and really demonstrates that student unity still exists," student spokesperson Guy Cohen said.
Labour leader Phil Goff told TV ONE's Breakfast that he is backing the students' plight.
"What you'll get is a compelled voluntary membership and you'll have freeloading and you'll have people not prepared to pay their student union fees to give services to others that are riding free and not paying their own fees.
"This will damage the advocacy and services provided by student associations and that's a bad thing.
Goff says the fact the protests took place at Auckland University, where membership is already voluntary speaks volumes.
"That is proof positive that you don't need this legislation.
He said individual associations should be able to decide if they
want voluntary or compulsory membership through a free and
democratic ballot.
More than 20 students at Waikato University held signs and stood in
silence as part of nationwide action protesting the third reading
of Act's bill tomorrow.
Students are hopeful the Government will have a change of heart and decide against backing the controversial law change.
But National has pledged to support it, despite 98% of submissions being against the change.
Bill will 'cut services'
People opposed to the bill believe it will cut student services, and lower the quality of the tertiary education experience.
New Zealand Union of Students' Associations co-president David Do said students around the country will continue rallying against education cuts.
He said students are growing increasingly frustrated and appalled that the Government is ignoring their voices on these issues.
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