STUDENT INVASION | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua
STUDENT INVASION
They're NZ's worst neighbours and thousands are heading our way ... but we're ready for them, say Rotorua police.
By MATTHEW MARTIN
Thousands of students descending on Rotorua for the 2008 University Games are being welcomed with open arms by bars and businesses set to cash in.
The games are expected to bring about 2000 athletes and another 500 supporters to Rotorua for four days with the opening ceremony to be held at the Waiariki Institute of Technology campus on Monday night.
Rotorua is expected to benefit to the tune of up to $5 million in revenue.
It's the first time in their 106-year history the New Zealand University Games, previously known as the infamous Easter Tourney, are being held in a non-university city.
They've also for the first time been opened up to tertiary institutions other than universities.
A recent survey by allrealestate.co.nz found students were second only to squatters in a worst-neighbour poll and having them as neighbours could devalue a home by up to 10 per cent.
However, nobody in Rotorua is concerned about the students' reputation.
Senior Sergeant Brent Crowe of the Rotorua Police said they were not expecting any problems during the four-day event.
Police had worked closely with the event's organisers to ensure everything went smoothly, he said.
"A majority of the students are here to compete seriously so we don't expect any issues."
Mr Crowe said he was satisfied with the code of conduct competing students had signed and no extra police were being brought in for the games. Manager of Rotorua's two Base backpackers hostels, Russell Stokes said he expected both hostels to be full for the duration of the games.
"At this time of year it's very good for business as many tourists are heading away. It's also something really different for Rotorua and I hope it goes well and we get it back next year," he said.
Local brewing company and official games sponsor Croucher Brewing has produced a commemorative ale for the games called Brewni.
Spokesperson for the Pig and Whistle bar, Rebecca Lewis said staff there were looking forward to having the students in Rotorua.
"We have security on as a precaution, but we want them to have a good time when they come here," she said.
The first University Games were held in 1902 with three sports contested - tennis, athletics and debating. Now the games attract more than 2000 participants in more than 25 sports and it is one of the largest annual multi-sports events in New Zealand.
Rotorua's successful bid to host the games was spearheaded by a consortium led by the Rotorua District Council and Waiariki Institute of Technology, beating off a rival bid from Auckland.
Canterbury University are the defending games champions. Their 600-strong team won the 2007 event held in Christchurch.
The games headquarters in Rotorua will be the Novotel at the lakefront where competitors will be able to check each day's results.
* See Monday's Daily Post for a games preview
By MATTHEW MARTIN
Thousands of students descending on Rotorua for the 2008 University Games are being welcomed with open arms by bars and businesses set to cash in.
The games are expected to bring about 2000 athletes and another 500 supporters to Rotorua for four days with the opening ceremony to be held at the Waiariki Institute of Technology campus on Monday night.
Rotorua is expected to benefit to the tune of up to $5 million in revenue.
It's the first time in their 106-year history the New Zealand University Games, previously known as the infamous Easter Tourney, are being held in a non-university city.
They've also for the first time been opened up to tertiary institutions other than universities.
A recent survey by allrealestate.co.nz found students were second only to squatters in a worst-neighbour poll and having them as neighbours could devalue a home by up to 10 per cent.
However, nobody in Rotorua is concerned about the students' reputation.
Senior Sergeant Brent Crowe of the Rotorua Police said they were not expecting any problems during the four-day event.
Police had worked closely with the event's organisers to ensure everything went smoothly, he said.
"A majority of the students are here to compete seriously so we don't expect any issues."
Mr Crowe said he was satisfied with the code of conduct competing students had signed and no extra police were being brought in for the games. Manager of Rotorua's two Base backpackers hostels, Russell Stokes said he expected both hostels to be full for the duration of the games.
"At this time of year it's very good for business as many tourists are heading away. It's also something really different for Rotorua and I hope it goes well and we get it back next year," he said.
Local brewing company and official games sponsor Croucher Brewing has produced a commemorative ale for the games called Brewni.
Spokesperson for the Pig and Whistle bar, Rebecca Lewis said staff there were looking forward to having the students in Rotorua.
"We have security on as a precaution, but we want them to have a good time when they come here," she said.
The first University Games were held in 1902 with three sports contested - tennis, athletics and debating. Now the games attract more than 2000 participants in more than 25 sports and it is one of the largest annual multi-sports events in New Zealand.
Rotorua's successful bid to host the games was spearheaded by a consortium led by the Rotorua District Council and Waiariki Institute of Technology, beating off a rival bid from Auckland.
Canterbury University are the defending games champions. Their 600-strong team won the 2007 event held in Christchurch.
The games headquarters in Rotorua will be the Novotel at the lakefront where competitors will be able to check each day's results.
* See Monday's Daily Post for a games preview
Email
Print