News

Students are struggling to find work, with recent statistics revealing that more students are looking for jobs and fewer gaining employment following the cut to the student allowance for post-graduate students.

The number of students seeking part-time work during the summer period was up by 24% on the same period last year. Meanwhile, the number of students recently employed has dropped by 15%.

While the employment market is tough, the figures have been exacerbated by the increased demand for part-time work among postgraduate students. The government’s cuts to postgraduate allowances came into effect on 1 January this year, and this has increased the need for extra income among those affected. Critic has received unconfirmed reports of unskilled postgraduate day-labourers swarming across the border to take undergrads’ jobs.

OUSA President Francisco Hernandez agreed that the postgraduate allowance cuts had affected the employment rates. “Postgraduates are being forced to compete in an already overcrowded job market. This has adverse effects for undergraduates who have to now face competition from postgraduates who tend to have more experience and wider skill sets.”

Hernandez also stated “we’re also facing tough times throughout New Zealand with a difficult economy and a tight job market.” However, he encouraged students not to be discouraged. “Keep applying. Look for volunteer jobs to boost your CV and pop into the Uni Careers office to make sure you have the best CV possible.”

Hernandez believes that the government should be funding a similar amount across the board for student allowance and the living cost loans, as the loan only allocates $173 per week compared to the allowance of $204 for a postgraduate not living at home.

Critic spoke to one undergraduate philosophy student who had also struggled to find work over the summer. “The summer before last I had a nice cushy job at a burrito and meta-ethics stall in the Meridian food court, but last summer I was replaced by some postgrad soy bean-eater because he had ‘more relevant experience.’ But people don’t need the really advanced theory with their burritos. Most can’t even understand this new guy when he speaks, he uses words like ‘sublation’ and ‘eudaimonia.’ It makes the customers uncomfortable.

“We don’t need his type coming over and taking our jobs. He should just go back to the Gazebo lounge.”