Couch burning, once so prevalent you couldn’t open your front door without seeing at least three smouldering sofas, a few charred armchairs and an oxidising ottoman, is on the decline.
In 2017, 24 fire-related incidents were dealt with by the Proctor, compared with 70 fire-related incidents in 2016, and 258 incidents back in 2011. The 2017 Proctor’s report noted that there was “a dramatic drop of fires in the North Dunedin area,” continuing a “favourable trend”.
2018 O-Week has also seen low instances of couch burning, with only a few reported. One student, who was present at a 2018 couch burning in the student area, said, “It was hot and it was red and it was going. [But it was] not that big; it was like a 2 or 3 seater couch.” A police sergeant stationed on Castle Street during O-Week said that, “compared to previous years [couch burning was] way, way down, which is great to see. You could say it’s self-initiated by students because I think they could see the potential for real disaster.”
One fourth year law student told us that "the Otago uni culture of couch fires is not only dangerous to people and property, it makes those involved look like fucking idiot vandal fucks".
However, not all students are pleased that now they can only light up mad bongs. One student remarked “have they banned that [couch burning] or something? If it started up again, that’d be awesome,” while another noted that, “I’m really disappointed [that couch burnings are down]. I was coming here hoping everyone was getting lit, but no”.