New Zealand / Covid 19

Otago University commits $1.5 million for student hardship fund

13:49 pm on 24 April 2020

Otago University has committed $1.5 million to a hardship fund for its students.

Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

The fund, named Pūtea Tautoko, was launched today to assist those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

It will be the largest hardship initiative in the university's history, with applications open early next month.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said in addition to the university's initial contribution, she would give 20 percent of her salary for the next six months.

"This fund is an important way for us to show and provide meaningful support for those students facing greatest need," Prof Hayne said.

"In addition to the university contribution, we will also ask our wider university community, including university staff, alumni, and friends, to contribute to this fund. Our hope is that we can substantially increase the size of the fund so that we are in the best possible position to meet what will be a very high level of student need."

Prof Hayne earned close to $650,000, making her the 15th highest paid public sector chief last year, according to the Taxpayers' Union.

The university's Chancellor, Dr Royden Somerville QC, said there was unanimous support for establishing the fund at this week's university council meeting.

"Council members are conscious of the urgent need to ensure that students facing extreme hardship due to the unprecedented impacts of the pandemic are supported to allow them to continue with their university studies," Dr Somerville said.

"Council members will donate 20 percent of their council fees for the next six months to the fund."

All students would be eligible to apply for the fund.

Otago University Students' Association (OUSA) president Jack Manning said the pandemic had caused significant hardship for many students.

Many faced additional costs and loss of income from part-time work. For others, the ability to access financial support from family had massively reduced, or completely evaporated, he said.

"No student should face financial insecurity as a result of Covid-19. The increased hardship funding OUSA and the university provide will help students during this unprecedented time."

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