Penalties set for student hall neglect

Tertiary accommodation providers could face a $100,000 fine if they breach new student care rules introduced after Mason Pendrous’ death.

The law change means action can be taken if a student dies or is seriously harmed as a result of a breach of the new Code of Practice for Pastoral Care.

The Education (Pastoral Care) Amendment Bill, which passed its third reading yesterday, was introduced in the wake of Pendrous’ death at Christchurch’s Sonoda Village. The 19-year-old’s body was found on September 23 and may have lain undiscovered for up to a month. Coroner Sue Johnson ruled this week that the cause of his death could not be determined due to the decomposition of his body.

As well as the new law, an interim code of practice will be in place for the start of 2020, ensuring tertiary providers with student accommodation offer pastoral care that ‘‘supports the safety and wellbeing of their students’’.

The code sets out a general duty of pastoral care and covers:

■ Students’ physical safety.

■ Access to advice and support services.

■ Physical and mental health support.

■ Freedom from discrimination and racism.

■ Support for the transition to tertiary study.

■ The opportunity to take part in decision making on support services.

Education Minister Chris Hipkins said the Government had moved quickly to ensure better protection was in place for students from next year. The circumstances surrounding Pendrous’ death ‘‘exposed the limits of the old system of self-regulation’’, he said.

‘‘It was based on a voluntary code and failed to maintain adequate standards at tertiary providers around the country.

‘‘We have created a code of practice providers must comply with.’’