Media statement
For immediate release
Thursday, 16 November 2006

Harmless hijinks harshly punished, says Dunne

United Future leader Peter Dunne today called upon Christchurch schools to relax and maintain a sense of humour over the hijinks of their departing students.

He was responding to reports that St Margaret seventh form girls were stopped by Christ's College staff on Monday when they pulled up outside to dash through the school in their underwear.

“The tradition of undie runs at Christchurch high schools has been going on for many years in good spirits. Such heavy-handedness is political correctness gone mad,” said Mr Dunne.

It is understood the 12 St Margaret’s students have been banned from attending their end-of-year leavers' dinner.

“Let’s put this into perspective. It's simply end of year hijinks. There is no malice involved and in comparison with other activities that teenagers get themselves into, this really is at the low end of the spectrum.

“It is traditional for Christchurch schools to get up to such antics at this time of year. While the public expects a certain standard of behaviour I would doubt if many people would be offended by such an event as occurred on Monday.

“Kids will be kids; if we are unnecessarily pedantic they will inevitably be compelled to rebel in more destructive ways.

“I agree that schools need to be vigilant especially as the end of year approaches, however I think they may have gone a little over the top in punishing students for what is traditionally a harmless bit of fun,” concluded Mr Dunne.

ENDS