9305 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Vocational Education

9305 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Vocational Education: What changes, if any, have been made to any policies or procedures in Studylink regarding student allowances and student loans since 27 November 2023?

Hon Penny Simmonds: I am advised by the Ministry of Education that, since 27 November 2023, StudyLink has put in place the following student loans and allowances policy: From 1 January 2024, the families of those directly affected by the Christchurch mosques attacks are exempt from the student loan and allowances three-year stand-down for permanent residents. This is a time-bound waiver. I refer the Member to the information on the Studylink website at https://www.studylink.govt.nz/about-studylink/glossary/residency-requirements.html. Changes to student loans and allowances procedures are the responsibility of the Minister of Revenue for all student loan operational matters (from lending to repayment) and the Minister for Social Development and Employment for administration of student allowances.