‘Concerns’ over uni law camp

The University of Otago will investigate ‘‘concerns’’ raised over a law camp allegedly involving jelly wrestling and nude drinking games – and attended by a senior staff member.

Law students have run an annual camp for the past 10 years, sanctioned by the university, so they could ‘‘get to know each other and build a culture of collegiality’’, a spokeswoman said.

But a student who took part in the 2012 camp said her experience was more akin to ‘‘what you see in those American movies,’’ according to the New Zealand Herald.

Some activities were fun but others – including one where five groups of 30, led by senior students, each put forward a girl to take part in jelly wrestling – were ‘‘bizarre’’ and uncomfortable.

‘‘There was a sense of confusion and some were a little grossed out by it – obviously no one wants to call it out because there was a lot of social pressure.

‘‘All the senior fifth year students pulled out chairs right next to the pit while everyone sort of sat back.’’

A University of Otago spokeswoman confirmed concerns had

‘‘We also received information from two parents about concerns last year. One parent was concerned about excessive drinking, while another was concerned about nudity during a student performance . . .’’

Professor Tony Ballantyne, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Humanities

been raised by a former student, but this was not a ‘‘complaint, as the Herald reported’’, and the person had taken their concerns to the university several hours after the Herald’s initial inquiry.

The Society of Otago University Law Students, which runs the event, had not received any complaints, the university spokeswoman said.

Professor Tony Ballantyne, ProVice Chancellor of Humanities, said the person’s concerns were ‘‘taken seriously and will be promptly investigated’’.

‘‘The concerns outline inappropriate behaviour allegedly witnessed at a law camp . . . I urge any student with concerns to contact me directly,’’ he said.

‘‘We also received information from two parents about concerns last year.

‘‘One parent was concerned about excessive drinking, while another was concerned about nudity during a student performance. These concerns were addressed.’’

The University spokeswoman said staff members had attended ‘‘intermittently during the day time and early evening on occasion’’.

‘‘Mostly the person who attends is the Dean of the Law Faculty as an invited guest.’’

She did not say what part of the camps the staff guest had been present for.

‘‘Part of the camp involves community service activities, where students will do gardening, cleaning on sections and activities such as putting the poppies together for ANZAC Day.’’

The spokeswoman did not directly respond to a question asking whether any students had complained about the behaviour of staff in relation to the camps.

The allegations come as many of the country’s law schools, the University of Otago included, sever ties with law firm Russell McVeagh as a review into sexual misconduct allegations at the law firm begins.

Students working in the firm’s summer clerk programme in 2015-16 complained about inappropriate sexual behaviour and misconduct by staff in its Wellington office.

Allegations include that staff had engaged in boardroom sex with students, as well as claims of sexual harassment.

The University of Otago spokeswoman said this year’s camp, to be held next weekend, would still go ahead.

The university’s Student Code of Conduct applied at the events.

Students paid for their own accommodation and alcohol, but the university provided a security guard and catering ‘‘so that the students eat well’’.

‘‘In light of these concerns it was made very clear to all participating that appropriate and respectful behaviour is required,’’ Ballantyne said.