And after viewing one of the better election bribes...

Parties vie for student votes... and ex-students. I'd vote for the one on the left if I could. It is a serious incentive to return if it goes through... But it is an election year bribe, and hence should be taken with a certain grain of salt... But then I have paid off my loan, though Z hasn't.

It does mean that should you wish a career as a serious academic (scientific research or otherwise), you are going to have to pay interest on the loan. Experiance at an overseas institution or two or three is somewhat essential career-wise. But as that would affect only a couple hundred people max, you can kinda understand (not like), but understand.

Edit: And the Labour Student Loan Calculator is good, but would be even better (for a real comparison point of view) if they included the rates when paid off from overseas. But as those people aren't voting...

(no subject)

Quick costuming reference:
Demode: how to make an 1830's - early 1850's crinoline
Some very nice work on other parts of the website as well. Debating over joining the h-costume list...

Whoohoo! And on a complete aside, since was last resident in NZ less than 3 years ago, still eligible to vote. Just need to check electoral roll/re-enroll.
Yay to being able to vote (can do 4/5 of fuck all wrt John Howard over here, but can do some good in NZ:)

Remember to vote! If you don't, you forfeit any right to complain about the government...