Don’t Leave Our Students In The Cold: AUTSA Calls For Winter Energy Payment Extension For Students
by Auckland University Students Association · SCOOPThe Auckland University Students’ Association (AUTSA) is calling on the Government to extend the Winter Energy Payment to tertiary students, warning that many students are being left behind during an escalating cost-of-living crisis.
AUTSA President James Portegys says students are among those hardest hit by rising living costs, particularly during winter when heating and energy bills become increasingly unaffordable.
“No student should have to choose between staying warm, paying rent, or putting food on the table,” says James Portegys, President of AUTSA. “Students are already under immense financial pressure, and many are living in cold, poorly insulated accommodation while trying to succeed academically.”
AUTSA says tertiary students are currently excluded from key winter and fuel-related support measures, despite facing many of the same financial hardships as other low-income groups.
The association strongly supports extending eligibility for the Winter Energy Payment to tertiary students and increasing the payment in line with existing fuel crisis relief measures.
“Don’t leave our students in the cold,” says Portegys. “Supporting students through winter is not only a matter of fairness, but also an investment in their wellbeing, education, and future contribution to our communities.”
AUTSA has seen significant growth in demand for student hardship support services since the beginning of the cost-of-living crisis, particularly through food support initiatives. The association says this trend highlights the increasing financial strain students are facing. “We have seen exponential growth in students needing food hardship support, and the situation is only getting worse,” says Portegys. “Any support that helps relieve these pressures has a direct impact on student wellbeing and success.”
AUTSA is urging policymakers to recognise the realities students face and ensure tertiary students are included in vital cost-of-living support measures.
The association says it will continue advocating for policies that promote student wellbeing, equity, and access to education.
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