Mon, 09 Nov 2009 4:28p.m.
Palmerston North police say a new initiative has helped to avoid the much of the usual post-exam chaos from the city's students.
Historically Palmerston North has experienced significant levels of disorder and numerous street fires, as end of exam antics stretch the resources of emergency services and impact on the lives of other residents.
This year police and fire joined forces with the City Council, Massey University and Student Association, and UCOL Student Association to encourage students to celebrate the end of their study year responsibly.
One of the biggest problems in the past had been the burning of unwanted furniture as students prepared to leave their flats, police said.
To combat this, the Palmerston North Safety Advisory Board sponsored two free collections with students urged via leaflets and publicity to place all unwanted items outside their homes on the designated days.
Police and fire safety officers also visited the student accommodation advising them of the campaign and offering information on fire safety and responsible hosting.
"Sadly there was still a mindless minority who ignored the message and we had a few small fires to contend with, but the little trouble we did have was very confined to one small area," Senior Sergeant Brett Calkin said.
"The operation also had a community impact as the collections resulted in about seven trucks of rubbish and another four full of furniture for the Salvation Army; furniture that instead of being burned in the street will go to help other local families.
"All-in-all we feel the initiative was a great success and will look to repeat it."
Three men and one woman were arrested over the weekend. One man was arrested for disorderly behaviour likely to cause violence, one woman for disorderly behaviour and two men for obstructing the Police. All four will appear at court on Thursday.
NZPA