Nearly 800 students vote to reinstate Otago University's annual law camp

A petition to bring back Otago University's annual law camp has nearly 800 signatures. Photo / File

Nearly 800 people have signed a petition to bring back the University of Otago's annual law camp.

The university pulled the plug on this weekend's camp after stories emerged about inappropriate behavior at previous camps, including jelly wrestling and naked drinking games.

Second-year law student Mhairi Mackenzie-Everitt started the petition because she said the camp was an "amazing weekend".

"Before the allegations came out in the news none of us had heard anything bad about it," she said.

"We've heard from older friends at the university that it was an amazing opportunity and I was told to get ready for an amazing, fun, little bit crazy weekend but never in a million years did I think I would be forced to do something I would not be comfortable with."

Mackenzie-Everitt said it was a very fine line to be toed "because all sexual allegations should be taken seriously".

"But I think that taking away the opportunity for this year's second years was a lot to deal with."

She hoped the camp would be reinstated.

"But if it doesn't, I think it was important to let our voices be heard. We would love a camp, even later on in the year."

She thought if people were not comfortable with the camp's activities, then they did not have to go or participate.

"We are a cohort of very strong people who aren't afraid to speak up and aren't afraid to let our voices be heard."

However, Mackenzie-Everitt emphasised that the allegations had to be listened to.
The law school is in the spotlight after weeks of public debate over the general culture of the legal profession in New Zealand, after allegations that male Russell McVeagh employees engaged in sexual acts with young female interns.

Auckland University law students have also made similar claims as Otago students about their law camp, which is held every March.