Grant Robertson criticises ‘disorderly’ pro-Palestine protest at Otago University

Wednesday, 9 October 2024

A building at the University of Otago was temporarily put in lockdown amid a pro-Palestine protest on Wednesday.

Police said they were notified around 1pm that protests had caused damage to the Otago Registry Building, also known as the Clocktower Building.

The building was locked down as a precaution, police said, but a university spokesperson said it was more accurate to say “security systems were briefly engaged” since staff could still come and go.

Police told Stuff one person had been arrested and that charges were being considered.

University of Otago Vice Chancellor Grant Robertson said peaceful protest had been a “long tradition” at the university, and said students and staff needed to be able to express their views.

“However, there is no place for vandalism or disorderly actions, particularly when the safety of others including staff and students is put at risk,” Robertson said.

“This protest crossed that line. This is against the kaupapa of our community and is not welcome.”

An organiser of the protest, from Otago Students for Justice, told Stuff a campus watch member was trying to stop a student protester entering the Clocktower when they both fell through a glass door.

The organiser said the students felt shaken up after what had happened, and that the protester who fell through the glass had been treated for injury.