It's thought the fees-free university scheme was theory vs reality.  

New data suggests the previous Labour Government policy failed to reach the students it meant to. 

Of the 26 thousand students who went straight from Year 13 into study in its final year, just 1.3% came from the most disadvantaged schools – around 230 students. 

Universities NZ Chief Executive Chris Whelan told Mike Hosking in their hearts Labour believed it would make a difference, but it hasn't.  

But he says but it's been very popular with students because it means there's less of a financial burden on students as they enter the workforce.  

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