OPSA expels Undy 500 goers

Otago Polytechnic Students' Association

OFFICIAL MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
21/08/2008

OPSA expels Undy 500 goers

OPSA is today warning its members that it will expel students guilty of illegal activities as part of the underground Undy 500 event. OPSA intends to expel any members guilty of violence and damage at the event, and its best recommendation to students is simply to stay away.

OPSA has consistently condemned this event unless it is organised professionally and safely. Even the official version of this event was poorly planned and inevitably lead to carnage that reflected badly on the vast majority of students who are not involved. OPSA has chosen the extreme move of expelling members because of the false image of students this portrays.

"We are sick of the Dunedin community and students being seen to be part of this, these groups need to understand that drunken parties which predictability lead to street violence and property damage is not acceptable, it's just bloody stupid." Co-President Meegan Cloughey said.

"This is no longer an event for entertainment value, it is purely poorly organised public disorder, and anyone guilty in such illegal activities should be punished to the full extent" said OPSA Co-President Ryan Ward.

"We encourage other student bodies to also expel their members if involved, and ask all members of the Otago community not to join this event" Mr Ward continued.

OPSA fears that the underground version of this event will be even more poorly organised than the disbanded official Undy 500. Ms Cloughley is disgusted at the plans 'organisers' have for this weekend.

"How would Christchurch students feel if we went up to their city, burned cars, couches and caused violence on their city streets? We would rightly never be allowed back. Yet somehow they believe it's alright to do in Dunedin."

ENDS

http://www.opsa.org.nz