Te Tira Ahu Pae and Disability at Massey respond to the Government’s decision to abolish the Fees Free tertiary education scheme.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
It is with profound disappointment that Te Tira Ahu Pae and Ngā Haumi Ki Te Ao issue this statement. The tertiary fees-free scheme served as a powerful message to the students of Aotearoa that their government cared about their future and well-being. The sudden decision to discontinue this vital scheme, executed without consultation, shows a blatant disregard for those affected and is deeply disheartening.
With the government abolishing this scheme, the consequences will be severe. Our hearts go out to all current and future students impacted by this decision. We hold particular concern for our tāngata whaikaha and disabled ākonga, who face compounding pressures.
The unwavering support of Te Tira Ahu Pae is with every student navigating this shift. We are actively discussing strategic ways to take a stand against this decision. We ask for your patience and kindness as we work through our next steps. When the time comes to call for collective action, we urge you to unite and stand with us so that our collective voices cannot be ignored.
Takunda Mabonga
General President
Te Tira Ahu Pae — Massey Students’ Association
19 May 2026
Disability at Massey’s Statement to support Te Tira Ahu Pae’s Statement of the Abolition of Fees Free.
The Government’s decision to dissolve the Fees Free tertiary education scheme in the upcoming Budget 2026 disproportionately affects tāngata whaikaha and disabled ākonga to access tertiary education across the motu in Aotearoa.
In the face of already detrimental and decimating changes of defunding towards the tertiary education system by the current Government, ākonga already experience uncertainty as to whether their education will be accessible to them, and whether they can complete their qualifications.
It contributes to worsening existing institutional barriers of disablism and ableism that prevent disabled ākonga participation towards accessing education across tertiary institutes — including our ability to enter the workforce and fully participate in a wider society that preserves our autonomy and dignity in a way that recognises the Enabling Good Lives vision. These are very clear attempts to decimate student voice and our rights to access tertiary education.
Furthermore, it is a breach to our human rights as disabled people under the CRPD (Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities), ratified in 2008 by the Government, and it is a breach to the New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026–2030 which the current Government must remember its commitments to in upholding equitable and equal education.
Education is a human right deserving to be accessible and equitable to all across all communities and the intersectionality that exists across them. It is not a privilege that is to be taken away at free will by those who have not worked with our communities beyond performative and tokenistic means. We urge the current Government to reverse their decision to dissolve the Fees Free tertiary education scheme, and we urge the wider tertiary community and allies to stand up against this.