For many years, tertiary students have been required by law to be members of students associations at their universities. Those associations have, at times, been accused of misusing students’ levies, allocating money inefficiently, and failing to represent students’ interests. Now, there is a bill before Parliament to end compulsory student membership. If the law is passed, it could spell the end for student unions, which will suffer from a lack of funds. Will students be better or worse off? Jehan Casinader is a Wellington-based journalist and youth affairs commentator.
Listen/Download Jehan Casinader on Voluntary Student Union Membership
