Queer room at uni almost ready

WORK is nearly finished on a dedicated safe space for rainbow students at the University of Otago campus.

Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) president Michaela WaiteHarvey said establishing a ‘‘queer space’’ on campus had been an objective of the OUSA executive for four years.

At the end of last year, OUSA secured a suitable location on the first floor of the University Union building, she said.

Work was done to add amenities including a kitchen area to the room over summer while earthquake strengthening was under way in the building.

‘‘We’re putting the final touches on the space in terms of furniture and decorations and [university] property services are finalising some regulatory issues with the room in terms of health and safety requirements,’’ Ms WaiteHarvey said.

‘‘Once that work is done, which is expected to take a few more months, the room will be operational.’’

Students would need a swipe card to access the room, she said.

They could request access to the room through the OUSA’s queer support coordinator, and would need to agree to follow the room’s rules before being granted access to the room by way of their student ID.

University property services division acting director Graeme Marshall said work to block off a switchboard that serviced part of the building would also block off a sprinkler, which had created a compliance issue.

Temporary options to address the issue would be discussed with the OUSA later this week before a permanent option was put in place.

By the end of the month, only dimmer switches and frosting for glass doors would remain outstanding before the area’s use, he said.