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Most universities have dropped their vaccine mandates��months after introducing them.����

New Zealand’s vaccine pass requirements and vaccine mandates for most sectors – including education – were removed April 5.����

The majority of universities introduced��vaccine requirements for their campuses and have been reconsidering them since the country-wide system was removed.����

The New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations��is concerned that inconsistency between providers is causing uncertainty for students and immune-compromised students may get left behind.����

Universities have shared their��vaccine requirement updates online.����

The University of Auckland dropped its vaccination policy in line with the country-wide removal.����

There are exceptions for staff and students working with District Health Boards, working on Covid-19 research and those working in aged care.����

Victoria University of Wellington’s vaccine mandate was discontinued on April 26 after the mid-trimester break.����

The separate vaccination mandate��for halls of residence remains in place, for the time being, an email to students said.����

Massey University has recommended the vaccination be removed no later than June 1, with consultation closing��on April 29.����

The University of Otago will lift its vaccine mandate for most staff and students on May 2 except for where a government health order is applied and for certain staff working with vulnerable students or��studying Covid-19.����

My Vaccine Passes were no longer required at the University of Canterbury from April 8 but were still needed��in university accommodation, with providers reviewing policies and confirming changes before the start of Term 2.����

A review and updated risk assessment are currently being undertaken by the University of Waikato and the requirement remains in place until a decision is made.����

Lincoln University’s vaccine requirement is still��in place for now and the review date has been brought forward from June to early May.����

AUT never had its own campus vaccine mandate but followed traffic light setting vaccination requirements.����

NZUSA President Andrew��Lessells��is concerned��some providers withdrew mandates without meaningful consultation with students, while others are taking more time to consult.����

This is down to the Government��deciding��providers understand their students best – which is true in some circumstances – but many aren’t good at consulting with students, he said.����

Lessells��said their main concern, regardless of whether providers keep or drop mandates, is ensuring online delivery is available for students who are immune-compromised, have health issues or don’t feel safe coming to campus.��

There’s been inconsistency between providers in this too, he��said.����

“[Education providers] are using phrases like ‘in the appropriate circumstances’ and ‘in consultation with staff’ and lots of phrases that I think just add uncertainty to students - they��need a clear yes or no about whether they’re going to be able to study online if they can’t come on campus.”��