1. Tertiary Education—Fees-free PolicyHon PAULA BENNETT (Deputy Leader—National) to the Prime MinisterTUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2018The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.Prayers.ORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSTertiary Education—Fees-free Policy1. Hon PAULA BENNETT (Deputy Leader—National) to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by all of her Government's policies?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN (Prime Minister): Yes.Hon Paula Bennett: In light of her comments last night to the Otago University convocation that she hopes that her Government is creating a radically different education system" and one that is ultimately more accessible for all New Zealanders what are the latest figures on the number of extra students taking up first year tertiary education?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Last time that I checked those figures was in preparation for my speech. We don't have the enrolment figures available yet. So what I provided instead was an indication of the number who are seeking information. Of course I'd remind the member that our interest is engagement in vocational training apprenticeships wānanga polytechs as well as of course those who access university.Hon Paula Bennett: Does she agree with Universities New Zealand director Chris Whelan that there has been no increase in first-year enrolments this year?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: I would seek to clarify off the back of that question whether or not that was against last year's figures because of course we know that we have had declining enrolment figures for universities over a number of years and this in part. Our policy however is driven more broadly by the goal of this Government to make sure that we have a well-educated well-trained workforce that is prepared for the future of work in New Zealand.Hon Paula Bennett: Compared to last year have the number of first enrolments gone up or down?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: As I said in my primary answer the last I checked in which was a matter of days ago we didn't have those new figures yet. But again I would reflect that we are facing down a declining enrolment historically amongst a number of institutions—that's at least my understanding. If the member would like more specifics then please a question on notice would help me provide that for her.Hon Paula Bennett: What number of new students were estimated to enter into the tertiary education sector as per the cost-benefit analysis done by the Ministry of Education for the fees-free policy?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Again I'd really love to provide more detail. My recollection—and I'd have it noted this is simply my recollection—is that there was a rough estimate of an uptake increase of perhaps from memory 5 percent but again I point to the fact that ultimately our fees-free policy was about making sure that all New Zealanders particularly those who have never entered into post-secondary education before have access to education that can ensure that they are work-ready and that they are adaptable in a changing environment.Hon Paula Bennett: So isn't her policy just an expensive exercise—up to $2.8 billion—that as the Secretary for Education told select committee last week no cost-benefit analysis was done on and actually there's been no increase of students at all this year?SPEAKER: The Prime Minister can answer any of those three questions.Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: This side of the House believes education is a public good and we believe for instance that everyone should be able to access secondary education. Anyone who's worth their weight looking at the future of what our population and workforce is facing should acknowledge that if we want to make sure we are a more productive society a more prepared society we should educate our workforce. I encourage her to read the excellent Future of Work Commission report. [Interruption]SPEAKER: Order! Order! Before the member asks her question I've decided not to interrupt that—[Interruption] Mr Joyce I was not commenting and to suggest that I was in that way is most inappropriate.Hon Paula Bennett: Is she satisfied that all of her Ministers have appropriately declared any conflicts of interest with the Cabinet Office in relation to charter schools?Rt Hon JACINDA ARDERN: Certainly on every occasion that it's been raised with me—a specific case—I've been assured by Ministers that the meetings that they've undertaken have been specific to their portfolio and that they are making sure that any negotiations with charter schools are directed by the Ministry of Education."