News

As Critic went to press, two University of Otago students have been declared missing by the Red Cross and police.
The Otago Daily Times reported that Sisi Xin, 28, a Dietetics student based in Christchurch, and her friend Didem Yaman, 31, a Political Science PhD student based in Dunedin, have both been missing since the 6.3 Earthquake struck at 12.51pm on Tuesday February 22. They were last seen in the suburb of Avonside at about 11.30am on the day of the quake, heading towards the central city. The two are part of an ever-changing list of the missing which has hovered around the 240-person mark over the last few days.
 
Speaking to the ODT, Student Services Director Mr David Richardson said, “The University is deeply concerned about the welfare of two of our students who have been reported as missing after the earthquake. University staff are liaising closely with police and the students' family and friends to provide them with as much support and assistance as possible at this difficult time”.
 
Vice-Chancellor Sir Professor David Skegg also released a statement saying “I am aware that some staff and students at all of our campuses will be very concerned about family members or fellow students who are missing or seriously affected in Christchurch. I would like to offer my personal sympathy, as well as an assurance that the University will do everything possible to support you”.