'Hysterical' coverage prompted Undie 500 offer

Students went overboard celebrating during the Undie 500 last year. Photo / ODT

"Hysterical" media coverage about the search for a new destination for the trouble-plagued Undie 500 rally prompted a Marlborough couple to offer part of their property for the students' use.

The annual rally, organised by Canterbury University's Engineering Society (Ensoc), has traditionally involved students driving from Christchurch to Dunedin in vehicles costing less than $500 but in recent years it has degenerated into rioting in the streets.

After student riots resulted in more than 60 arrests last year Ensoc agreed to take the Undie 500 "in a new direction", but which one? No-one wanted them.

Ensoc president Michael Cook confirmed in March that "lovely place" Marlborough was being considered as an alternative, with plans for an out-of-town based concert for rally participants.

But police, the Marlborough District Council and some residents made it clear the students were not welcome.

It was that reaction, reported in the media, that prompted Trish and Chris Redwood to offer part of their 194-hectare property near Seddon to rally organisers.

"I thought the coverage was hysterical," Mrs Redwood told the Southland Times.

"Anyone over 50 that went to university and says they were virtuous is either a liar or a very sad person... a lot of people do seem to suffer amnesia about their youth."

She felt sorry for the urban young, who did not have anywhere to go and party.

"There's so many things they can't do. There's a real rural-urban divide now. Rural people think 'why wouldn't you party in a paddock?'."

Mrs Redwood said Undie 500 organisers should be given a chance to move away from what had happened in Dunedin and create a new tradition. "I think they are genuinely thinking 'let's create something different' ... let's give them a crack."

But she's not totally naive - organisers will be asked to pay a $10,000 bond. "I'm not an idiot, but I really don't think there will be problems."

The couple are also asking students to pay $5 each for camping at the property. Other conditions are that the event must be a "lock in", with the students expected to hire security guards to ensure no-one leaves and gatecrashers are kept out.

"I don't think it should be such a big deal ... it's really going to be a little Rhythm and Vines with far less people and more booze."

- NZPA