PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Education

Libertarianz Welcomes Raising of University Standards

"The Libertarianz Party is pleased to support moves by Auckland University to raise their standards, with a proposal to eliminate open entry to most courses by 2009," Libertarianz Education Spokesman Phil Howison said today.

"The sad fact is that with lower standards and a general 'dumbing down' of academia, degrees are worth much less than they used to. Higher entrance standards will benefit all Auckland University students, by improving the reputation of the institution," Mr. Howison pointed out. "The role of the NCEA should also be mentioned. It is this assessment system which often leaves tertiary institutions and employers befuddled when attempting to assess a candidate's ability." 

"I hope that Auckland University's new entrance tests will include basic reading and comprehension.  New Zealand children's reading skills have slipped from 13th to 24th place in the world, according to the Progress in International Reading Study released recently. State schools are clearly not teaching basic literacy skills well, and too often, tertiary institutions have to pick up the pieces," Mr. Howison lamented.

"Under a Libertarianz government, universities would no longer be owned, controlled or regulated by the government," Mr Howison concludes.  "They would be free to set their own fees, policies, and standards of entry in order to attract the best students and improve their international standing."

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Phil Howison
Libertarianz Spokesman for the Deregulation of Education
Phone: 027 437 0308
Email: phil.howison@libertarianz.org.nz

Libertarianz: More Freedom - Less Government
www.libertarianz.org.nz