Uni courses 'close to free' under Maori Party

The Maori Party has promised to make education programmes designed to protect taonga (treasures) free, with many university courses qualifying.

In its first major policy announcement since the party formed in July, president Whatarangi Winiata said the policy would mean tertiary education would be "pretty close to free".

Courses protecting taonga would be defined broadly and would include many university courses such as te reo, resource management and aspects of history and law.

Professor Winiata told the Herald he did not know what the financial implications of the party's education policy were, but the nation was prosperous and could afford it.

The Associate Education Minister responsible for tertiary education, Steve Maharey, slammed the policy, saying it was uncosted and the Maori Party did not seem to care.

"The surplus they speak of doesn't exist, so what are they going to cut to pay for it? Superannuation?"

The policy was announced yesterday at a hui on Maori student debt, held by the national Maori university students' association, Te Mana Akonga, at Victoria University.

Professor Winiata, who made the announcement in the absence of the party's co-leaders Tariana Turia and Pita Sharples, said the party would also introduce universal student allowances and scholarships.

It wants repayment of student debt to be set at a higher threshold than the current $16,173, and for a grace period of five years to be given once people reach the threshold.

The party will also waive interest on all existing student debt.

In other policies, the party wants to make education programmes available in whanau settings via the internet, television and other means.

The party also says research funding allocations should be consistent with the Treaty of Waitangi.

National leader Don Brash said he "choked" on the policies on research funding. "It is totally inappropriate to be recommending funding for research on the basis of ethnicity."

In a surprise move, Act leader Rodney Hide said he endorsed elements of the Maori Party's policy, in particular that the potential of marae as centres of learning be recognised.

EDUCATION PLANS

Courses, including university courses, which protect taonga (treasures) will be free.

A universal student allowance will be introduced and scholarships made available.

The income threshold for student loan repayment will be raised, and five years grace given on repayment once the threshold is reached.

Interest on existing student loans will be waived.

Research funding consistent with the Treaty of Waitangi.