Labour pledges wiping 10% off student loans for NZ-based borrowers

<p>Labour will wipe 10% off the student loans of New Zealand-based graduates next April if it wins the election, and clear balances of $2000 or less entirely.</p> <p>Current and future students would get the same cut once they had stayed in New Zealand for three years after finishing their studies.</p> <p>Party leader Chris Hipkins announced the policy at the party's campaign launch today.</p> <p>"If you have a student loan and stay in New Zealand, under Labour you will owe less."</p> <p>Speaking to a crowd of party faithful in Manukau, Hipkins also launched a blistering attack on National leader Christopher Luxon, calling him "not fit to be Prime Minister" and accusing National of "lying about tax, which is bulls**t by the way".</p> <p>The first write-off, on April 1, 2027, would go to those who have finished study, are based domestically, are up to date with their repayments and did not benefit…