Is campus safe after shootings in Palmerston North increase?

CONTENT WARNING: Graphic violence

On Tuesday last week, a person was critically injured in a shooting in central Palmerston North overnight, after police were called to reports of a fight outside the Royal Hotel. 

Detective senior sergeant Dave Thompson said initial inquiries revealed the "incident quickly escalated to the use of weapons, and one individual using a firearm, following an initial dispute between two groups". 

Royal Hotel owner Jazz Rawiri spoke to RNZ after reviewing CCTV footage, "Out on the street he had words with a couple of other known patrons to the hotel, this soon escalated into a sparring match." 

The victim was then "sliced" in the head with a machete before being shot in the head, Rawiri said. 

And this is not the only shooting recently, as reports revealed two shootings within 24 hours of each other on August 4th and 5th.  

Only a few days earlier on August 2nd, a Palmerston North home was shot at in broad daylight in the Roslyn area.  

A spokesperson from Campus Security said they are actively patrolling campus regularly and are available to escort students and staff if required. 

For example, if students or staff want to be escorted to or from their vehicles or the residential halls – security’s got you. 

Security was aware of current criminal activity in Palmerston North and tend to operate based on instruction from the Police. 

However, the team had not received any communication from Police to suggest additional action needs to be taken at this time. 

“Massey’s Campus Security Team provide advice on general safety during orientation presentations to students and in response to direct inquiries from students and staff.” 

Security also encouraged students to consider their safety and wellbeing when they are off campus.  

A Massey student, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “I live in a rough area in Palmerston North, which is known to be ‘dodgy’ and a place to ‘avoid’ so I am aware of the crime going on.”  

The student also said that Palmerston North is usually safe, but it is best to keep updated on what is happening, and what types of dangers are out there.