From NZ Herald · · 2m
Green Party proposes universal weekly payments for student health and education placements
Green Party plans to pay students $380 weekly for health and education placements to reduce dropout rates.
In brief
Green Party plans to pay students $380 weekly for health and education placements to reduce dropout rates. Green Party will provide $380 weekly payments to students in health and education fields during placements to prevent dropout. Originally reported by NZ Herald.
Green Party plan
The Green Party will launch a policy offering universal weekly payments for students training in health and education roles.
Weekly payment amount
Students receive $380 weekly for placements, on top of existing student loans or allowances.
Duration of payments
The payment covers the full duration of students' compulsory placements.
Relocation support
Students relocating for placements may receive up to $1500 to cover moving costs.
Targeted sectors
The policy focuses on sectors where unpaid placements cause high dropout rates, including health and education.
Marama Davidson's view
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson says unpaid placements push students out of critical sectors like health and education.
Chlöe Swarbrick's view
Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick states students are currently forced to work unpaid for hundreds or thousands of hours in health and education roles.
Policy cost estimate
The Green Party estimates the policy will cost $74 million to $80 million annually.
Administered through Studylink
The payments will be managed through Studylink for courses including nursing, teaching, and social work.
Purpose of policy
The policy aims to improve student retention and widen access to health and education careers for all backgrounds.
Key courses covered
The policy covers clinical psychology, nursing, teaching, social work, and other health and education courses.
Green Party co-leaders
Green Party co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick are pushing for the policy to address student retention issues.
Student retention challenge
The policy targets sectors where unpaid placements lead to high student dropout rates.
Current student situation
Students in health and education fields often work unpaid for hundreds or thousands of hours to enter these professions.
Policy implementation
The policy will be implemented through Studylink for students in specific health and education courses.
What happens next
The Green Party will launch the policy at a co-leader stand-up event in Auckland on October 15, 2026.
The bottom line
Green Party will provide $380 weekly payments to students in health and education fields during placements to prevent dropout.
