Undie 500

The Undie 500, originally named the Under 500, was an annual student-run car rally between Christchurch and Dunedin, New Zealand with multiple stops at drinking establishments along the way.

The premise of the event is for student members of ENSOC to purchase and decorate a vehicle before rallying the cars to Dunedin.

This event is characterised by the high level of work performed on the entrants' cars; transforming them from normal motor vehicles into something unique.

The event was originally to coincide with the weekend of the annual Canterbury University Engineers v Otago Surveyors rugby match.

The event was widely reported, attracting national TV news coverage, newspaper, radio and has even featured in Ralph magazine.

Before embarking for Dunedin, cash prizes were awarded for outstanding entries including: The winner of best dressed vehicle in 1994 was a 1964 HD Holden Special station wagon cleverly transformed into Thomas The Tank Engine.

Couches, a mattress and at least two Undie 500 cars were torched on Castle, Dundas, Hyde, Grange, and Leith streets, and police and fire-fighters were pelted with bottles.

The people convicted were forced to pay fines, reparations, donations and court costs exceeding $16,500 (up to $2,000 for some individuals), and received 250 hours community service, in addition to lawyers fees estimated at up to $1,000 to $5,000 each.

The media once again reported the event sparked violence, with police in full riot gear three times charging a group of around 500 students throwing rocks and bottles, before dispersing the crowd in the early hours of 24 August 2008.

[18] While police Inspector Dave Campbell noted that the event was not a catalyst for the trouble, with most of those arrested from Otago University or non-students, he also said that to those persons "It's quite clear that it [the Undie 500] is seen as a magnet.

While the rally featured decorated cars, costumes and alcohol, new measures such as a good behaviour bond were introduced to address previous concerns.

[23] The event ran successfully, with partying afterwards becoming chaotic as police in riot gear moved in to be pelted with bottles, bricks and bicycle parts.

[26] Police charged 67 people with a range of offences including breaching the temporary liquor ban, disorderly behaviour, obstruction and burning couches.

[27][28] Prime Minister John Key described the incident as "madness" and pointed out some students would consequently graduate with criminal convictions.

[33] An 18-year-old Telford Rural Polytechnic student who travelled from Balclutha, specifically to be part of the "Undie 500 weekend", fell onto a burning couch while trying to jump over it.

[34] In response to the event police minister Judith Collins said on 3 News the rioters were "spoilt little rich kids, who think that they are going to be the future leaders of our country, and frankly if they are, God help us".

The event consisted of leaving from the university arts car park, as in previous years, then heading out to the first pub in Yarldhurst.