Mark Lundy, seen during his trial in 2002. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Students planning to recreate the infamous high-speed trip made by killer Mark Lundy to murder his family have pledged good behaviour - and even asked police to breath test those taking part.
Dubbed the "Lundy 500", the Victoria University students planned to drive the route police alleged Lundy used to
get from Wellington to Palmerston North, kill his family and then return.
The convoy is carrying out the journey on August 29 - the anniversary of the deaths of Lundy's victims, his wife Christine and Amber.
Jackson Wood, editor of Victoria University student magazine Salient, said the convoy was to highlight possible errors in the justice system.
The Lundy case was chosen because it offered a good example of errors in evidence, he said.
"In this case, police presented evidence that Mark Lundy had made the journey yet couldn't recreate that time themselves. It seems a trend in our justice system that dubious evidence is being presented."
Police claim Lundy made the 300km return journey, reaching speeds of up to 150km/h, and committed the murders in less than three hours. Many have questioned whether it was possible and tests have failed to reach the same time for the journey.
Lundy 500 is a play on the name of the now "defunct" Undie 500 in the South Island which was typically marked by drunkenness and riots.
Wood says it will be nothing like the Undie 500. "People have to sign a code of conduct. There will be a minimum time to complete the drive of two hours [to stop speeding]. Regular check points where everyone must meet."
Police have been asked to attend and breath-test students for alcohol before they begin the journey.
He says they will look at public opinion before confirming the event,
Jono Naylor, Mayor of Palmerston North, was angry about the event and said the students would be unwelcome in the city.
"Eight years ago something brutal happened in Parlmerston North. An 8-year-old girl and her mother were murdered. It shouldn't be maken light of. It's tasteless and disgusting.
"If they wanted to highlight injustices within the justice system there are other ways around it."
