Education Action Group
Encyclopedia
Education Action Groups were set up at most New Zealand university campuses during the 1990s as a vehicle for direct action
against user pays
reforms to tertiary education. Most EAGs were semi-independent of their students' associations, but were mostly funded and worked closely with associations to help achieve their shared aims and policies of free quality education for all. EAGs and associations demanded a return to zero tertiary fees and a universal student living allowance.
At their height in the early to mid '90s national annual training and large student protests were organised (including bus trips of students from all around the country converging at parliament) culminating in the rolling occupations of several university registry buildings in 1996. Education regularly featured in the top 3 voters' concerns in election years during the 1990s.
Since 2001 the only active Education Action Group is at Victoria University (most active after introduction of Fee Maxima policy in 2003). At other students' associations it has become more common for student executives to try to run campaigns.
Direct action
Direct action is activity undertaken by individuals, groups, or governments to achieve political, economic, or social goals outside of normal social/political channels. This can include nonviolent and violent activities which target persons, groups, or property deemed offensive to the direct action...
against user pays
User pays
User pays, or beneficiary pays, is a pricing approach based on the idea that the most efficient allocation of resources occurs when consumers pay the full cost of the goods that they consume. In public finance it stands with another principle of "ability to pay," which states that those who have...
reforms to tertiary education. Most EAGs were semi-independent of their students' associations, but were mostly funded and worked closely with associations to help achieve their shared aims and policies of free quality education for all. EAGs and associations demanded a return to zero tertiary fees and a universal student living allowance.
At their height in the early to mid '90s national annual training and large student protests were organised (including bus trips of students from all around the country converging at parliament) culminating in the rolling occupations of several university registry buildings in 1996. Education regularly featured in the top 3 voters' concerns in election years during the 1990s.
Since 2001 the only active Education Action Group is at Victoria University (most active after introduction of Fee Maxima policy in 2003). At other students' associations it has become more common for student executives to try to run campaigns.
Students' Associations associated with EAGs
- New Zealand Union of Students' AssociationsNew Zealand Union of Students' AssociationsThe New Zealand Union of Students' Associations is a representative body that advocates for the interests of tertiary students in New Zealand. It has 14 member students' associations, with a combined membership of over 180,000 students...
- Victoria University of Wellington Students' AssociationVictoria University of Wellington Students' AssociationThe Victoria University of Wellington Students' Association is the official students' association at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand...
- Otago University Students' AssociationOtago University Students' AssociationThe Otago University Students' Association is the Students' Association of the University of Otago, New Zealand.OUSA provides "representation, welfare, advocacy, recreation, fun events and media" for its members...
- Massey University Students' Association
- Auckland University Students' AssociationAuckland University Students' AssociationThe Auckland University Students' Association , founded in 1891, represents students at the University of Auckland. AUSA organises student events, publicises student issues, administers student facilities, and assists affiliated student clubs and societies. It also produces Craccum magazine and bFM...
- University of Canterbury Students' AssociationUniversity of Canterbury Students' AssociationThe University of Canterbury Students' Association is a student organisation associated with the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, established in 1894. All current students of the University have automatic membership. It is funded by students and is governed by a constitution through 12...
- Otago Polytechnic Students' AssociationOtago Polytechnic Students' AssociationOtago Polytechnic Students' Association is an independent organisation founded in the 1960s that all Otago Polytechnic students become members of when they enrol, it is the sole students' association at OP.OPSA's aims include:...