The National Disabled Students' Association advocates for ākonga (learners) across Aotearoa, with the aim of improving the experiences and outcomes for disabled learners. On this page you can find media releases provided by the NDSA, and issues we've spoken to.
Table of Contents
Media release: support on extending the Winter Energy Payment to tertiary learners
The National Disabled Students’ Association (NDSA) welcomes the members’ bill proposed by the Green Party in extending the Winter Energy Payment to tertiary learners.
The NDSA is a non-partisan organisation which supports positive changes to improve the experiences and outcomes for disabled ākonga (learners) across Aotearoa. As with other students’ associations, the NDSA has long requested the extension of the Winter Energy Payments to tertiary learners — acknowledging that ākonga are frequently on low incomes and are significantly impacted by rising costs of living.
Our learners often reside in low quality rentals and flats which are difficult to adequately heat, with disabled ākonga often forced to forgo heating or other essential needs.
We strongly support ending the exclusion of tertiary ākonga from receiving the Winter Energy Payment, and prioritising learners’ health, wellbeing, and ability to thrive in their education.
You can sign the petition to extend the payment to tertiary ākonga here.
