Picture perfect for celebrations

Beaming at the start of the University of Otago's 150th anniversary celebrations yesterday are Samoan-born students (front, from left) Emily Fruean (17), Etta Tamapua (23), Sooleoso Pala'amo (19) and John Johnston (18), together with (back row, from left) Robert Tupu (18) and Maylanie Alai (23).

The students were among more than 1000 to pack the university's clocktower lawn, beside the Water of Leith, for yesterday's public picnic.

The picnic marked the start of the university's anniversary celebrations, and featured live music and other entertainers, food stalls and face painting, as well as bean bags and space for families, students, alumni and other members of the public to lounge and soak up the atmosphere.

The picnic also involved the ringing of the original bell, dating back to the 1860s, from the university's first clocktower.