Universal Education..."We are the University" Today was the second day of spring (or at least the 2nd day in which we lost an hour) and Charlize & I still did not have a handle on the new time schedule. It's amazing how the "loss" of 60 minutes can cause hours of delay. Luckily, I was able to catch the Link bus (the new local transportation system introduced just in time for the rugby worldcup...when its on time it cuts my commute by 15 minutes...but that's "when" its on time.) and dropped Charlize off at creche (daycare). On my way up to my office, I came across several posters announcing the student protest occurring on campus @1. The posters requested students to stand against the new university policy that would require all students to pay student fees while cutting student organizational funding. It also argued that the university should give students a universal education and pardon student loans. I was intrigued with the demands (which to me seemed unimaginable) and made sure I attended the protest. As I walked towards the student quad, I could hear the roar of students. I walked through the open market and found dozens, possibly two hundred students standing, sitting...listening to several speakers share there view on the issues and solutions. Some of the issues raised: University (not only Auckland University, but all national universities) have been turned into a factory Students are thought to be apathetic, and thus are not expected to act against policies, laws and actions Neoliberalism Increased student fees that increase the class disparities at the university Solutions: Stop identifying as distinct groups...muslim, Pacific Islander, Korean...etc. The divisions are being exploited. The strongest politics force is that of "students"...unite under your student identity...Unite The university is a place to contest knowledge, it should be a place to contest policies...its a battle ground Let's get on with it, let's keep fighting University is a place to learn, but also its a place to make a change Register to vote The energy at the rally was empowering. The idea of universal education makes "logical" sense, especially in NZ's current job market where there are fewer jobs overall yet a "need" for high skilled labor. Students graduate with an average of $28,000 in loans in a country with very little good paying jobs...so many jump the Tasman to make a good living wage and gain a oversees experience. Coming back to NZ...which could use their educated young adults...means taking lower paying jobs, paying back a debt and rising living expenses. New Zealand government markets itself as a lifestyle country...but that lifestyle comes at a cost and it seems the NZ youth will not be able to buy into the coveted NZ lifestyle of little work, ownership of a plot of land, bach and boat...a just enough for a holiday. Investment in education should be at the center of New Zealand's future national projects but cuts continue to happen.