Columns

In the past seven days, new Otago students will have met people they’ll know and care about for the rest of their lives. How do I know this? From my own experience and from that of countless Otago grads through the years. Ask those who’ve been around a little longer.

Of course, not everyone you’ve met in O’ Week will become a lifelong friend. Heaven forbid. But some will. The early time at Otago is not universally happy, but it is rich. My advice, for what it’s worth, is savour the positive parts and treasure the emerging friendships.

I’ve had the good fortune of being an Otago student for many years. Nearly as good, I’m now two years into my new job representing the electorate where most of the University’s population resides. And that privilege gives me plenty of opportunity to still poke around the University.

And so I’ve already ducked in and out of campus a fair bit this year. As first year students arrived, I observed some of the weekend welcoming rituals of the colleges; on Monday, I dodged rain showers and took in Tent City on the Museum Lawn; after a spell in Wellington on Tuesday, I was back Wednesday for Clubs’ Day in the new and improved Union format; and on Wednesday night, I joined the crowd at the stadium.

If you’d like to catch up, and haven’t spotted me on campus yet, please drop by my office in Albany Street – it is just down from the Rob Roy Dairy.

One of the unforeseen “opportunities” a politician has is to show you’re able to laugh at yourself. I’ve decided as a new politician that subjecting myself to an occasional ribbing is something of a public duty. And so, this week, I accepted an offer to appear on TV3’s 7 Days programme.

Such an appearance is not without risk as a politician; I’m told I indicated willingness to enter a charity boxing competition with Colin Craig. In my defence, I heard “relay for life,” instead of “fight for life,” which will explain to viewers my tone of disbelief when the panel queried my answer.

In truth, I don’t much fancy spending time up close and personal with Colin Craig. I guess at least I didn’t say “yes.”