Not my department, not my problem

Fine Arts students are up in arms over the loss of their library, but it seems that their fellow students are not that bothered.

University of Auckland students admit they are either ‘not knowledgeable enough’ or ‘aren’t fussed’ about the Fine Arts library protest that cornered off Symonds St for several hours yesterday.

The protest was organised by the community group, A New University, which is demanding greater democratic control over the tertiary institution, as well as the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Stuart McCutcheon.

Some students like Sophia Pelzel, celebrated the progress of a second protest.

“I’m glad to see another protest happening, just to show it’s not an issue we are going to just let die. Its prevalent, it’s going to affect every student at the uni.”

While others did not even know the reasons behind the protest.

Commerce students Chadd Smith and Richmund Lung were unaware of the reasoning behind the protests.

“They were causing a bit of a ruckus. It doesn’t affect us so we’re not that passionate about it really. But they [totally] went about it the wrong way. To be honest, it’s not my department so it’s not my problem,” says Mr Smith

Engineering student Jake Naran agrees that the protest wasn’t handled well.

“I think they went about their protest quite inappropriately. The students barricaded Symonds Street which is a major route for getting in and out of the city…

I think they should have kept their protest within the university, and as they were protesting the Vice Chancellor they could’ve barricaded his building, (instead of the road) and it would have been more closely affiliated with their goal,” says Mr Naran.

AT Transport tweeted a delay in the road and encouraged many to avoid the area to discourage further congestion.

20-year-old student Ella Hodson was frustrated with the bus delays that affected her afternoon classes.

“I had to wait an extra 30 minutes for the bus to get home, I understand what they are trying to do but ultimately it chewed into my time, it’s inconvenient!” says Ms Hodson.