The Finance Minister is committed to ensuring the fees-free policy is shifted to the final year of tertiary education, rather than the first.

Questions have been raised about the effectiveness of the scheme, after data revealed there was no discernible evidence it helped low decile school students into university.

Minister Nicola Willis says fees-free for first year students has failed in its stated objective to boost university attendance.

"Our approach is about rewarding students who actually achieve what they go to their tertiary institution to achieve- that is, they complete their classes and they do a good job."

LISTEN ABOVE

The Finance Minister is committed to ensuring the fees-free policy is shifted to the final year of tertiary education, rather than the first.
Questions have been raised about the effectiveness of the scheme, after data revealed there was no discernible evidence it helped low decile school students into university.
Minister Nicola Willis says fees-free for first year students has failed in its stated objective to boost university attendance.
"Our approach is about rewarding students who actually achieve what they go to their tertiary institution to achieve- that is, they complete their classes and they do a good job."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.