A tiny moth named the Avatar has been crowned New Zealand's Bug of the Year amid concerns over its endangered status due to proposed mining activities. Simultaneously, a significant decline in law students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in Australia has raised alarms about educational inequities exacerbated by the Morrison-era Job-ready Graduates scheme.

Avatar Moth Wins Bug of the Year

The Avatar moth, scientifically known as Arctesthes avatar, received 5,192 votes in a recent competition, outpacing the second-place mahoenui giant wētā by 2,269 votes. This day-flying moth is endemic to the Denniston Plateau and Mount Rochfort on New Zealand's South Island. Discovered in 2012 during a conservation survey, the moth's name was chosen to draw attention to its plight, particularly as its habitat faces threats from proposed mining expansions.

Nicola Toki, chief executive of the conservation group Forest & Bird, emphasized the urgency of protecting the Avatar moth, noting that it symbolizes the broader environmental issues linked to mining activities. The mining company Bathurst Resources, which has plans for the Denniston Plateau, claims it will minimize ecological impacts, but critics argue that such projects could lead to significant biodiversity losses.

Decline in Socioeconomic Law Students in Australia

In Australia, new enrolments for law degrees from students with low socioeconomic backgrounds have dropped by nearly 20% since the introduction of the Job-ready Graduates scheme in 2021. Independent senator David Pocock has criticized this scheme, stating it has created a segregated higher education system that disproportionately affects students from less affluent backgrounds.

The scheme, established under former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, increased fees for arts degrees while reducing costs for STEM courses. As a result, enrolments from low socioeconomic students in law and commerce degrees fell by 17.7%, while enrolments from other students in these fields increased by 2.3%. The Innovative Research Universities group has reported that the scheme has not only failed to incentivize students into STEM but has also exacerbated educational inequities.

Calls for Change

Pocock has urged the government to abolish the Job-ready Graduates scheme, arguing that it undermines efforts to promote equity in education. The scheme has led to a significant funding gap for universities, with the Commonwealth providing $1.2 billion less in funding than it would have under previous arrangements. Experts warn that this could lead to a two-tiered higher education system, where only wealthier students can afford to pursue certain degrees.

The IRU's executive director Paul Harris expressed concern over the emerging segregation in higher education, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to ensure equitable access for all students.

Wrap-up

The recognition of the Avatar moth as New Zealand’s Bug of the Year serves as a poignant reminder of the environmental challenges facing the country, particularly in relation to mining activities. Concurrently, the decline in law students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in Australia highlights the pressing need for reforms in the higher education sector to promote inclusivity and equity. Both situations reflect broader societal issues that require urgent attention and action.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team