Do we really need so many tertiary students?
Are our tertiary qualifications of an acceptable standard?

There are major shortages in the trades, and an oversupply of tertiary education providers. Is it really necessary for a country of more than 4 million people to have more than eight universities, twenty polytechnics and institutes of technology, two colleges of education and three wananga.

The growth in numbers of people undertaking tertiary education has risen substantially over the past decade. Enrolments in tertiary education institutions have increased by more than 30 per cent over the last six years.

Student loans have enabled a large number of young people to pursue tertiary education. Many go because of the interest free write off without actually knowing what it is they want to do.

Is NZ sacrificing the quality of tertiary education for quantity?