The New Zealand Government introduced the Final-Year Fees Free policy to help reduce the financial burden of tertiary education and reward students for completing their qualifications. However, this programme has now been removed, leaving thousands of students disappointed and uncertain about their financial future. Many students who had planned their finances around receiving Fees Free in their final year are now faced with unexpected costs and increased student debt.

Education is crucial for personal development and New Zealand's economic growth. The removal of Final-Year Fees Free has placed greater financial pressure on students and their families. Many are now reconsidering their educational pathways due to the increased cost of completing their qualifications. According to the New Zealand Union of Students' Associations, rising financial pressures continue to affect students, their families, and the wider community.

Reinstating Final-Year Fees Free would mean that more New Zealanders, regardless of their financial situation, could complete their tertiary qualifications, gain vital skills, and contribute positively to the country's economy. Education should not be a privilege but a right for every citizen. Reinstating the Final-Year Fees Free policy is an investment in New Zealand's future. It would help more students complete their studies while building a skilled workforce capable of meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

To make this initiative sustainable, the Government could explore alternative funding options such as reallocating existing budgets, developing public-private partnerships, or introducing a modest levy on high-income earners. These measures would not only ease the financial burden on students in their final year of study but also strengthen New Zealand's economy in the long term.

Join us in urging the New Zealand Government to reconsider its decision. Together, we can show that New Zealanders believe in the value of accessible tertiary education and the importance of supporting students through to graduation. Sign this petition to support the reinstatement of the Final-Year Fees Free policy and invest in our country's future.