University of Otago Vice-Chancellor, the Hon Grant Robertson, acknowledges the Coroner’s findings today into the tragic 2019 death of Sophia Crestani and particularly those impacted by the tragedy.
“We continue to extend our deepest sympathy to Bede, Elspeth, whānau, friends of Sophia and everyone profoundly affected by Sophia’s tragic death,” Mr Robertson says.
“Together, we continue to honour Sophia’s memory, along with Bede and Elspeth, through the Sophia Charter. There is power in Kotahitanga. Through our unity and in our actions, we will continue to work together. Ka mahi tahi tatou.”
Mr Robertson says the University will take time to reflect on the report.
“We will carefully work through the recommendations and report.”
Substantial work continues in North Dunedin with a focus on educating our community of the risks and dangers of large, private parties.
“This work is in line with the aim of the Sophia Charter, which is to build a strong student neighbourhood where residents take responsibility for themselves, each other and the wider community,” the Vice-Chancellor says.
“Sophia’s legacy, through the Charter, endures in North Dunedin where we continue to collectively focus on student safety and wellbeing.”
The Student Code of Conduct has been in existence since 2007 and, since inception, it has caused debate on how to meet the principles of the Code and how to best work with our community.
“We acknowledge the Coroner’s comments about the Code, and the importance of on-going review of our work,” Mr Robertson says
“There is an inherent tension in how involved the University should be in the lives of students. Our approach to safety, well-being and discipline in North Dunedin is constantly evolving and we will continue to develop it as suggested by the Coroner.”
Mr Robertson notes the Coroner’s comments about the role of Campus Watch.
“It is important to recognise that Campus Watch is a support agency. Campus Watch do not have the powers of the Police. They have no special legal powers in North Dunedin. For example, Campus Watch staff do not have interventionist powers to enter properties or restrict the number of people attending parties.
“Instead, their role is to provide around-the-clock pastoral care to support a safe environment for students. Campus Watch staff members are present to be available to students who require assistance.
“It is standard practice for Campus Watch staff to remain some distance from parties and to call the Police, who do have the power to intervene, if they observe dangerous or illegal behaviour.”
Campus Watch’s training will continue to support their extensive day-to-day education and pastoral care work that they carry out in the student community.
“I want to acknowledge the exceptional work of Campus Watch, the Proctor and Deputy Proctor over a number of years. We will continue to focus on helping to create a safe environment for our student community.”
Initiatives carried out by the University since the tragedy include the Proctor visiting two-storey flats at the start of the year and offering detailed safety advice to the tenants.
In recent years, upon advice from the Proctor and working with stakeholders, some students have chosen to cancel parties after they realise the inherent dangers of flats becoming overcrowded because of their inability to control the number of people attending. As a result, the private Agnes Street party has not run for the previous four years.
“These positive results are the outcome of the Proctor, and Campus Watch, working with the support of the student community, including OUSA, and emergency response agencies, who are members of the Sophia Charter. We remain committed to this important prevention work,” Mr Robertson says.
“We are always looking for ways to improve safety. There is a strong sense of positive commitment from everyone in our community to do all that we can to help make North Dunedin as safe as possible.
“At a personal level, I am committed to improving what we do to support our students to succeed and to do so in a safe and inclusive environment. I am particularly focused on making sure there are safe environments to socialise in and to ensuring the quality of accommodation across our city is of the highest of standards.”
The Sophia Charter (Est. July 2020)
The Sophia Charter stakeholder group comprises the University of Otago, Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA), Otago Polytechnic, the Police, the Dunedin City Council, Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the Otago Property Investors Association.
The Charter’s focus is student safety and wellbeing. It aims to ensure that North Dunedin is a strong student neighbourhood where residents take responsibility for themselves, each other and the wider community; it will be a place that is fun, vibrant, safe and secure and that fosters student success and wellbeing.