University of Canterbury Students’ Association admits wrongdoing over mass student food poisoning

Tuesday, 16 June 2026

The University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA) has accepted responsibility in court for a food poisoning outbreak that left more than 100 students ill during end-of-year exams.

UCSA initially faced two charges related to food-borne illness at Unihall and Ilam Apartments during the 2024 exam period. Each charge carried a maximum $200,000 fine.

But recently it pleaded guilty to a single charge under the Food Act and is scheduled for sentencing at the Christchurch District Court in early December, New Zealand Food Safety confirmed.

“As the case is before the court – we cannot provide further comment,” Food Safety acting deputy director-general Jenny Bishop said.

UCSA president Tumaru Mataio previously confirmed the matter related to the food illness event in late 2024.

More than 100 students at the University of Canterbury suddenly took ill after eating shredded chicken in the midst of end-of-year exams.

Students were reported running out of exams needing to use the bathroom, sick with “terrible” symptoms and in constant stomach pain.

At the time, students told The Press of constant stomach pain, restless bathroom breaks and struggles to get medical exemptions for exams.

“I’ve been shitting myself for 10 hours,” one student disclosed. Another described “worlds of hurt and unneeded stress”.