what's new in the news: Undie 500 finally gets thumbs up

A Seddon couple have agreed to host the controversial Undie 500 student car rally, saying a repeat of the violence seen in Dunedin is unlikely.

But Marlborough police, the mayor and the landowners' neighbour – vineyard and winery owner Peter Yealands – remain vehemently opposed to the event.

Chris and Trish Redwood, of Seaview Rd, confirmed that they were approached by the rally's organisers, the University of Canterbury's engineering society, and were happy to host the event at their property.

It is understood the rally will be held on September 17-18.

Organisers have been trying to find a place in the Marlborough or Kaikoura districts to hold the event, after being told they were no longer welcome in Dunedin, where the Undie 500 has been marred by violence and drunkenness over the past four years.

Organisers previously said they would hire a professional events company to run the event, and it is understood that they will apply to the Marlborough District Council for a liquor licence.

Engineering society president Michael Cook said yesterday that organisers had approached landowners in Seddon, but would not comment further.

Mr Cook previously said organisers did not want a repeat of what happened in Dunedin, and wanted to hold a concert and other events in a rural area of Marlborough so that students would not go into Blenheim itself.

Mrs Redwood said she did not think that what happened in Dunedin would be repeated in Marlborough, because the students would be removed from their normal student environment.

She said she was "shocked" by media reports of opposition to the event and surprised by the hostility towards it.

"We thought someone had to help the boys. I don't think any event here would resemble what happened in Dunedin.

"I don't see how having a concert in a country venue would produce similar circumstances. The environment in Dunedin is unique – it's a student ghetto. It's very cold, and they need to light fires."

Mrs Redwood said she would have no problem if the students set a couch on fire. "There's no fire ban here."

Mr Yealands earlier rejected approaches by Undie 500 organisers, and was today shocked to hear that the rally could be held next door.

"I just worry about anything that a normal property owner would worry about," he said. He feared that trees he had planted along the public road would be hit by cars.
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He was not sure what he would do if the event went ahead, saying the news first had to "sink in".

"I'm disappointed to hear it, and I dare say at some point I'll be given the opportunity to have some say."

Acting Senior Sergeant Tony Yardley, of Blenheim, said police would speak with the Redwoods this week.

"Our stance hasn't changed from what it was all the way through. We're not happy with it, we don't think it's a good idea."

Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman said he had learned nothing about the event that would change his opposition to it.

By Maike van der Heide and Simon Wong - The Marlborough Express

Last updated 13:57 30/06/2010