Students evicted as games near end

More then 130 students taking part in the University Games were kicked out of two Rotorua motels for "diabolical" behaviour.

Havana Motor Lodge, on Whakaue St, evicted 44 Victoria University students and Cleveland Motel, on Lake Rd, evicted 88 Victoria students on Thursday. No criminal charges were laid and overall, police say University Games behaviour was excellent with only one student arrested. However, whilst there was little criminal behaviour, student shenanigans commenced as the games ended.

"It was absolutely diabolical," Havana Motor Lodge owner Jan Stevenson said.

"Every night they were screaming around drunk at 3am."

Rooms were littered with vomit, alcohol and glass. Four students were evicted on Wednesday and another 40 on Thursday morning.

Mrs Stevenson said four students had apologised but there had been no apology from the remaining students and they had demanded their money back. Cleveland Motel on Lake Rd told 88 Victoria University students to leave.

Owner Cynthia Hawkins said staff had to shampoo 30 rooms after people vomited and left beer bottles throughout.



"We had one room totally trashed, vomit right through it and crates of beer ... one student was so paralytic we had to call the ambulance."

Items including a microwave, bed and television were damaged. She said a student supervisor had paid $1000 towards the damage.

Senior Sergeant Brent Crowe of the Rotorua police said police were called by the University Games organisers to Cleveland Motel on Thursday. Mr Crowe said police spoke to both parties equally and reached a resolution.



"Police were very pleased with how it (the games) were organised and the way it proceeded. The vast majority of the nearly 2000 students behaved very well and there was very little trouble in the CBD."

Rotorua police area commander Inspector Bruce Horne said six drink-drivers were caught at a checkpoint near the student base on Thursday night. However, none were students. Overall, police were pleased with the students' behaviour throughout the week.

University Games executive director David Pearce was disappointed as overall the event was a success.

Mr Pearce or his staff had spoken to both motel owners and students had apologised and offered to pay for the damage. Mr Pearce said he would be meeting with Victoria University next week. Victoria University vice chancellor Pat Walsh said inappropriate student behaviour was unacceptable. He will meet student representatives next week.