Student behaviour praised

Harlene Hayne
Harlene Hayne
O-Week organisers hope the ''good vibe'' and relatively incident-free nature of the week continues this weekend.

The University of Otago, police and Otago University Students' Association yesterday all praised the behaviour of students throughout the week.

Vice-chancellor Prof Harlene Hayne said yesterday afternoon the week had so far gone ''extremely well''.

''Having thousands of young energetic people together to celebrate the start of their year in Dunedin has its clear risks and I am pleased to report that the week has gone extremely well.

''The students have joined in the spirit of having a fun time and shown just how considerate and caring they are,'' Prof Hayne said.

She also said Dunedin had done a ''great job'' of welcoming the students back, and the university was looking forward to a ''productive and happy year''.

Speaking yesterday morning, OUSA events and communications manager Dan Hendra said the week had gone well so far.

''The week has been fantastic so far, with the weather holding off, and the [Forsyth Barr Stadium] makes everything a lot smoother,'' Mr Hendra said.

Ticket sales had been strong. About 3000 had gone to the toga party, 4000 to 4500 to the live filming of 7 Days and about 6000 were expected to go to Six60 last night.

That was more than the turnout at Macklemore last year, when the numbers were capped at 5500.

OUSA president Ruby Sycamore-Smith said yesterday morning she had been pleased with behaviour at stadium events so far.

''Behaviour has been good. There definitely still are people that are intoxicated, but the support staff have been there to deal with that as best they can, which has been really good.''

This support included people from the ''Are You OK'' crew, Red Frogs and for the first time, Water Warriors - who gave out water to concert-goers.

The new liquor laws had meant some people not being let into stadium events because they were intoxicated or had been ejected.

Ms Sycamore-Smith hoped the good behaviour continued throughout the weekend.

The lack of couch fires throughout the week was another positive.

''Hopefully, people are getting the point their place at the university is at risk and also that it's dangerous.''

Darryl Lennane
Darryl Lennane
Dunedin area response manager Senior Sergeant Darryl Lennane was pleased with behaviour during the week.

''Apart from a couple of isolated events, Orientation Week has gone smoothly with the majority of people who've been attending events enjoying themselves safely and without getting involved in any illegal behaviour.

''Campus Watch has been doing a great job throughout the week,'' Snr Sgt Lennane said.


TODAY
Noon-3pm: International Food Festival - museum lawn.
7.30pm: Highlanders v Blues - Forsyth Barr Stadium. 


- vaughan.elder@odt.co.nz

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