Students nationwide are rallying over ballooning student debt which has climbed to a whopping $9 billion.
The government says the debt is up because more are studying but student unions claim the $9 billion burden makes a mockery of free education.
In the space of just 18 months student debt has climbed $1 billion to $9 billion, 40% of which comprises student loans used to cover living costs.
Student unions are now calling on the government to introduce a universal living allowance, but Labour says enough has been done by slashing interest on student loans.
Student Hub spokesperson James Robinson says factors such as rent increases are forcing students to draw on student loans, particularly those who do not qualify for the means-tested student allowance.
The problem is particuly bad for those living in Auckland and Wellington, where skyrocketing market rents have pushed students to outer suburbs.
Richard Mitchell, President of the Otago Polytechnic Students' Association, says the size if the debt is staggering.
"Student debt is a serious threat to our society and can no longer be ignored," he says.
Mitchell says a recent OECD report commented that the current system does not address to the full extent the financial barriers students face in accessing tertiary education.
Students were active on campuses around New Zealand on Wednesday to remind the government on their pre-election promise.
A rally planned in Wellington was postponed due to a timing clash with an anti-smacking bill protest. Victoria University students had planned to gather on Lambton Quay to demonstrate the level of student debt accrued by living costs.
Student Association president Geoff Hayward says the anti-smacking bill march would have taken away impact from the student protest.
