HEKE: Heroic Educated Kiwi Expatriates

Sir Paul Callaghan, New Zealander of the Year and the founding Director of the MacDiarmid Institute has begun an innovative campaign to bring more money into New Zealand from overseas to assist with recovery following the Christchurch Earthquake.

Two billion dollars are currently owed by 85,000 New Zealanders based overseas on unpaid student loans, and Paul is calling for those who can afford to reduce their loan, to do so now when their country needs it most. If even 1 in 1000 were able to pay off their loans, this could raise $2m, and is “better than a bake sale” according to Paul.

The campaign was launched on TVNZ’s Breakfast show on Tuesday 29 March.

Paul is relying extensively on social media and word of mouth to spread his message to expatriates with student loans who are in a position to reduce their loans, through both Facebook and Twitter. More information can be also be found on the HEKE website.

UPDATE: Student loan repayments have increased $2.5 million since Kiwi graduates living overseas... More