PHOTO: Auckland University Students. STUDY INTERNATIONAL
Students residing in the University of Auckland’s halls are bracing for an approximate 8% increase in accommodation rent next year, leading to the launch of a petition and demands for a reduction in housing costs.
As of this year, students are paying $470 per week for a standard single room at Waipārūrū Hall, including shared facilities and catering, but that rate is set to rise in 2024. The same room will cost $510 per week, marking an 8% increase. Matthew Lee, the founder of Students for Fair Rent, pointed out that he paid considerably less for the same hall just a year ago.
This hike in rents prompted the formation of Students for Fair Rent, an advocacy group that calls on the university to lower rent prices for its facilities and implement measures to align with average rental prices in central Auckland. They have submitted a petition with nearly 1500 signatures to the university, outlining their call for the implementation of three fairness metrics to gauge all future rent and rent increases. These metrics include comparing rental price increases to inflation, the price of comparable rooms in the CBD, and the government’s income support available for students.
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In early October, students congregated at the University of Auckland clocktower to voice their objections to the rising rental prices.
The University of Auckland stated that, on average, fees were increasing by 8.2% at catered halls and 7.3% at self-catered halls. They cited increased costs, such as food and living wage adjustments, which have exceeded inflation. They acknowledged the financial challenges faced by many students and emphasized their efforts to minimize accommodation fees in comparison to other New Zealand universities. The university explained that if they couldn’t cover their costs, it would necessitate diverting funds from teaching and research.
Auckland is not the only university to increase prices, as the University of Otago plans to raise accommodation fees by 3% next year, and Victoria University of Wellington has announced “modest adjustments.”
High rental costs and the overall cost of living are causing significant hardships for students. Students, like Catherine Franicevic, studying at the University of Auckland and living in university accommodation, are feeling the strain. Many are forced to work longer hours to cover rent, leaving them with less time for their studies. The situation has led some students to consider relocating to Australia, where living costs are perceived as more affordable.
Student allowances provided by the government often fall short of covering rent, forcing students to work more hours. However, the more they work, the less allowance they are entitled to, creating a financial dilemma. The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) manages student allowances and provides a weekly allowance of $300 to $630 for students earning $516 or less per week, although eligibility varies depending on multiple factors.
Ellen Dixon from the New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations observed that the issue of rising accommodation costs is prevalent at universities across the country. Student accommodations are subject to different regulations than typical rentals, as they operate under the Education and Training Act and are typically managed in collaboration with the universities.
To provide context, here are the rental price comparisons across different regions in New Zealand:
Auckland: The University of Auckland offers one of the most expensive rooms in the country, with a weekly rate of $510 starting next year for a single room at Waipārūrū Hall with shared facilities and catering.
Waikato: Waikato University’s Hamilton halls are among the most affordable, offering optional catering. Bryant Hall and Student Village cost $394 per week ($260 without catering), while College Hall is $451 with catering.
Palmerston North: Massey University provides various options, with prices ranging from $221 per week for a flat-like apartment with individual rooms and shared facilities at Kairanga and Rotary Courts to $434 per week for catered options.
Wellington: Victoria University of Wellington’s halls in central Wellington cost around $490 per week, including catering. Massey University in Wellington offers self-catered halls with prices ranging from as low as $267 to as high as $439 per week.
Christchurch: Canterbury University offers a variety of halls, with prices ranging from $289 to $517 per week, depending on the hall and catering options.
Otago: The University of Otago provides catered accommodations, with prices ranging from $504 to $571 per week, depending on the hall.
For context, the median price for a room in central Auckland is $265 per week, while in Palmerston North, it is $205 per week. In central Wellington, the median price is $250 per week, and in Christchurch, it is $200 per week.
SOURCE: 1NEWS