To Whom it may Concern,

I am writing in regards to my experiences had during the year long
exchange I have recently just completed at the University of Otago. I
would like to start by stating that my time in Dunedin was extremely
enjoyable and at most times I felt truly welcomed by the University
itself. Something that left a positive, long-lasting impression on me of
not only the University and town, but the country in general were the
"4.20 Protests" held on the Union Lawn, organized by Abe Gray. These
peaceful 'protests' were an excellent display of student behaviour on
campus and gave myself and many other international students alike the
impression of a liberal, educated and culturally accepting University. We
were made to feel welcome and informed at all times and met many other like-minded Otago students in a relaxed yet academic setting.

Something that disturbed me, however, was towards the end of my second semester (Semester 1 2008) was the increased campus watch and even police presence around the times when students would gather on campus to peacefully protest their rights. This turned a relaxed, intellectual and open environment into an intimidating and nervous one, with talk of students being turned in by Campus Watch to the Police and getting arrested on campus, a supposed prohibition free zone. My friends and I felt extremely uneasy at these times and while we continued to peacefully protest, it really marred our final memories of Otago. In one instance, we had been attending a 4.20 session on OUSA property, when as soon as we left my fellow female friend and I were followed my two members of Campus Watch at least 500 metres through campus. By the time we left it was already dark, which I'm sure one can imagine made it both intimidating and nerve-racking to be followed through campus by two much older, heavier men. I can only hope that other students did not have the same experiences as us.

When I return home to Scotland, I will no doubt be praiseful of my time at
Otago and in New Zealand in general - however my experiences with Campus Watch, an unaccountable proctor and both a uniformed and undercover police presence left an extremely sour taste in my mouth. I would strongly advise the University to re-consider its unnecessary disruption of a peaceful and non-harmful protest held mid-day on campus, and turn it's attention to more pressing and real matters of discipline.

On a more recent note, I was disgusted to read of the violent and messy
arrest of Abe Gray amongst others and am ashamed of the Dunedin Police force's terrible handling of this matter. I can only hope they will think twice before pressing further charges, a move which threatens the careers and reputations of those concerned, as well as jeopardising their hard earned University degrees. It is clear to see that the University does not value its hard-working, researching Masters students as much as it should. If you feel the need to contact me further on this matter, I would be more than happy to become involved.

Yours sincerely,
Alex Drinkwater