Come late February, there’s no better smell throughout North Dunedin than burning couches and stale alcohol. It tugs at my heartstrings in a similar way to fresh cut lawns in spring, or pine trees at Christmas. It can mean only one thing, that the academic year has began and the students are back.
Once again Otago has proven through its Orientation week why it is New Zealand’s best destination when it comes to the student experience.
A huge congratulations has to go to all of those who have spent countless hours organising and curating the week. It’s a hell of a task putting together the whole gig and takes a lot of time, patience and resources. Hats off also to all those punters in the campus area who have opened their homes to the masses only to awake to doors hanging off hinges, tin cans with no labels and shoes with no laces.
However, this O Week, just as every other O-Week before it, has come with its fair share of criticism and negative press.
Once again the usual crowd who believe that Otago student culture is dragging the reputation of the city have reared their ugly heads to chuck in their two cents, claiming that the student population who bring culture, character and most importantly business to the community are nothing but a hole for the taxpayer to throw dollar after dollar into.
A quick look around town over the past week though, and you’ll see a steady flow of students heading in and out of local shops and retailers adding to the local economy in a positive manner. The student community in Dunedin accounts for a fifth of the total population and should be welcomed to the city, not deterred.
This O week has also highlighted the fact that the student name is being dragged through the mud from those outside the campus. As of Thursday, out of the 16 arrests, only two were students, contrary to the many headlines across national new agencies claiming that students have been running riot. I feel that for the most part, except of course for certain outliers, students respect their own backyard and all that goes with it.
Sadly though, after a heavy week of thrashing livers, it’s time again to dust off the exercise books and head to class.
If you’re ever kicking around campus with a spare few minutes up your sleeve, cruise on up to our offices and show your face. We’re always on the lookout for writers and are always interested in hearing your stories.
Best of luck for this upcoming week!
Hugh Baird
Critic Editor