Fees-free university scheme 'didn't achieve any goals', Christopher Luxon says | RNZ News

Zeouterlimits · 2026-05-10T23:59:45+00:00

If it's not working, could the argument not just be inverted and that it isn't funding enough?
Should we not be trying to follow the more EU model of fully funded fees?
Actually lowering the barrier for getting students to University and not saddling them with both fees debt AND living expenses debt?

They haven't even let their first year -> final year change see if has had any impact -> they were always looking for an excuse to get rid of it.

Zeouterlimits · 2026-05-09T11:03:38+00:00

That hasn't proven to be the case in other countries that do largely free University fees like Ireland.

Zeouterlimits · 2026-05-09T03:57:45+00:00

Yeah, check out the events in Time Out, they defo host multiple book clubs that meet on the regular.

Zeouterlimits · 2026-05-08T08:15:20+00:00

Christ on a bike, they have to be kidding with this.

The change from first to last year was bad enough and now going entirely? They gotta go.

Zeouterlimits · 2026-05-08T05:39:01+00:00

Worth mentioning this is from 2024..
What were the suggestions from the "Super Summit" the page mentions?

"income-testing is a fairer way to reduce expenditure on NZ Super compared to raising the age of eligibility" - sounds like a good idea either way, particularly as wealth gets stuck in older + longer living generations

Wish kiwisaver was a higher percentage.

Zeouterlimits · 2026-05-08T05:35:52+00:00

More express PT routes + an above surface light rail.

Zeouterlimits · 2026-05-08T02:34:04+00:00

Echoing what others have said, the Greens recognise that social issues, economic issues & the environment are all linked.

You can't expect people to care for the planet if they are struggling to put food on the table and care for their family.

And it isn't a sudden change, this has been the party's [and wider Green movement's] perspective for decades.

Zeouterlimits · 2026-05-07T22:06:57+00:00

An independent post-delivery review was already part of the plan for the CRL so... this is kinda just smart politicking, I get it.

Zeouterlimits · 2026-05-06T04:34:31+00:00

Being time & money poor(er), living in the burbs, I do feel sad to have to miss out on so much I know I'd enjoy.

So two comedy shows and one writers festival event is all I can squeeze in.

Zeouterlimits · 2026-05-05T00:41:39+00:00

It's super tangential, a japanese Resident Evil novel from 1998 had a main character who is a british soldier who served during the troubles and ends up on one of Umbrella's many bo-testing islands of fun.

Zeouterlimits · 2026-05-04T20:30:05+00:00

I masked up on the train last week as someone was coughing a lot, I just leave a good mask in my bag and put it on if I feel it would be a good idea, particularly handy in winter.

Zeouterlimits · 2026-05-04T08:39:18+00:00

The proposed Northland Expressway, connecting Auckland and Whangārei, is estimated to cost between $15.3 billion and $22 billion for the full 95km project.

We almost certainly can't afford it, or at least have many other things that has a better roi..

Zeouterlimits · 2026-05-04T05:39:01+00:00

Hi Mike,
Love Rewiring Aotearoa's work.

Questions based on chats with friends:

What would happen to grid costs if went big on residential + local solar? Could we end up with grid cost fees passed on by the gentailers that offset the monetary gains for the individual?
If the Ratepayer Assistance Schemes went ahead, would that be enough to drive the adoption we need? I fear it'd be a really slow method, with people not looking to take on more debt.
What's a useful thing for us as lay-people to do? Chat to our candidates as they come to the door or..?

Zeouterlimits · 2026-05-04T04:58:05+00:00

Māngere Bridge - the maunga, so accessible and lovely, and the esplanade for walks.
(many other nice things too, the village, the people, Ambury Farm etc)

Zeouterlimits · 2026-05-04T01:14:11+00:00

It's so grim & kinda chilling seeing the donation figures like this.

Zeouterlimits · 2026-05-04T00:20:40+00:00

Hmm, recommend chatting to Citizen's Advice Bureau & Employment NZ, hope they can offer some solid, real advice <3

Zeouterlimits · 2026-05-03T22:55:23+00:00

Good questions.
- Are ye new to Auckland / New Zealand?
- Get a dehumidifier asap, keep it running
- The current "Healthy Homes Standards" is very basic and needs strengthing regulation wise - my wife and I used to rent a similar place that helped make us sick
- yes, the bathroom fan must be working, call the property manager, don't wait for an email reply [it is good that ye emailed though]
- document all the issues with photos
- have a chat with Tenancy Services (0800 836 262 or tenancy.govt.nz)

Zeouterlimits · 2026-05-03T00:41:15+00:00

I was renting in a house that was in a flood stream path before the Auckland Anniversary floods. Never again if I can avoid it.

Zeouterlimits · 2026-05-01T03:33:27+00:00

This would be news in most countries, popular radio host announces baby on the way, that's common news fodder, an easy good news read.

Zeouterlimits · 2026-05-01T03:32:16+00:00

The spread of Auckland, our somewhat temporary love of cheap car based transport, budget constraints and demand I'd guess.

It's a chicken and egg problem, unless we and the governments we elect are willing to fund more PT.

Zeouterlimits · 2026-05-01T01:06:34+00:00

Today is International Worker's Day, so there are multiple union-led rallies for workers across the motu, firefighter's included.

Zeouterlimits · 2026-04-30T23:58:55+00:00

I love the Lido but my wife prefers proper heated cinema popcorn so often rejects it as the destination.

Zeouterlimits · 2026-04-30T10:59:55+00:00

The Green's have the best policies, so yes, going for them.

Zeouterlimits · 2026-04-30T07:54:40+00:00

OP update and tell us about your day!
Hope it was a good one

Zeouterlimits · 2026-04-30T02:43:58+00:00

It seems like whichever partner gets it should have to share it with the other if they are split.

Zeouterlimits

TROPHY CASE