In a surprise move student representation has been recommended to be removed from the governance councils of polytechnics.

"This will effectively gag the voice of students at governance level in many polytechnics" said Meegan Cloughley, OPSA president, "As the biggest stake-holders in a polytechnic, students should be assured a seat on council".

National's Polytechnics Amendment Bill has been drafted to reduce the size of polytechnic councils by removing local representation. Initially there was no recommendation to remove the student representation from councils.

Indeed students were assured that the student seat was safe on polytechnic councils by Anne Tolley earlier this year.

However, in a report released to parliament today, the Select Committee recommends substituting "four members appointed by the polytechnic council in place of the student member, the academic board member, the community member, and the chief executive officer"

The recommended changes still allow for student representation to be appointed by each polytechnic council, but it does not ensure student representation.

"Polytechnic councils that do not appoint student representation are probably those that most need it" claimed Ms Cloughley, "This entire bill stinks of government interference."