New rules on student care need accompanying funding

The Government is bringing in a mandatory code of conduct for pastoral care at universities and a $100,000 fine for providers if they are found responsible for the serious harm or death of students in their care. It comes after the death of 19-year-old Mason Pendrous, whose body lay undiscovered in his Christchurch hostel room for several weeks. Victoria University's Student Association president Tamatha Paul supports the changes but says universities also need to provide better support to residential advisors and provide more funding for student welfare in halls. Ms Paul told Jessie Chiang that universities should not hike fees to cover the cost of these changes.