As the Independent also reports, New Zealand student loan debtors have the second highest average debt out of all English speaking countries. In an election year we should be asking who this high level of debt benefits. We also need to know what the plans are for the future management of student loan debt. Will the IRD offer more flexible payment solutions? Will interest be reinstated for New Zealand based borrowers? Will the debt be sold to private debt collectors? If new students incur less debt under a new government's new policies, how will we ensure that people with existing debts are treated fairly?
Let's talk about the issues and the fairest way forward.