Social work graduates sue polytechnic for $40,000

Several former social work students from the Waiariki Institute of Technology, in Rotorua, are seeking more than $40,000 each in compensation as they have been unable to register as social workers.

The students are among 60 graduates of the bachelor of applied social sciences who majored in kura kaupapa Maori or adventure therapy, both of which are not recognised by the Social Workers' Registration Board which was formed two years ago.

Its criteria for registration were not released until late last year. The board's chief executive Sean McKinley said one could get jobs without registration, which was not compulsory.

The polytech no longer offers kura kaupapa Maori or adventure therapy.

Waiariki management is sending further information to the board to consider at its next meeting to try to resolve the matter.

The polytech's Students' Association president, Fred Zinsli, admitted the students were unlikely to be compensated and would have to take the matter to court if they wanted money.

Academic director John Snook said he was not aware of anyone seeking compensation - something Mr Zinsli said he found hard to believe.

- NZPA