Orientation a hit

Massey's Orientation proved a huge hit this year after suffering a loss two years running.

Students at UCOL were also treated to a successful O-week, costing them just $2 each.

Massey University's Orientation Week costs about $90,000, which is funded through ticket sales, corporate sponsorship and bar sales.

First-time organiser Daniel Burt said the 2010 event turned a profit, meaning student levy funds were untouched.

Attendance has fluctuated at the event since Mr Burt joined Massey University Students Association (MUSA) as events co-ordinator four years ago. But securing big names this year, like Gin Wigmore, pulled in the punters, he said.

"We nailed it this year, but we took risks that paid off. Back when we signed Gin Wigmore in August 2009 she was far from a household name."

The previous years' events were less successful, making sponsorship hard to come by, he said.

Student entertainment incurred a $42,579 loss in 2008, according to MUSA's financial report.

MUSA general manager Tony Brown refused to provide financial figures for 2009 and 2010 events.

Mr Burt said his aim was to keep the event really cheap while encouraging as many people as possible to attend.

"We are aware that students have a lot of other expenses around this time of the year, so we try and keep it down near the $60 mark."

Mr Burt, who will also organise next year's Orientation, aims for a 15 per cent profit on cost. This amounts to $13,500 on a $90,000 event and covers the risk of unexpected losses, he said.

This year's big concerts attracted more than 1000 people, while two smaller events attracted 550 people.

"This was significantly up on last year's figures, and definitely contributed to the financial performance of the Orientation Week," Mr Burt said.

MUSA runs Orientation to show off Palmerston North and allow new students to meet friends.

"Our reputation isn't always that great, but we try to put on a wicked week – which gets them buzzing about spending the next three or four years in our region.

"We like to think it breaks down a few misconceptions about Palmy."

Social networking sites like Facebook helped the success. "It really works for us on so many levels, and lets us interact with students 24/7," Mr Burt said.

More than 2400 students attended UCOL Orientation's daily events.

Student Association president Jo Hymers said the event usually came under the $5000 budget.

For about $2 per student, people could access free barbecues, a market day, a breakfast fry-up, games and giveaways.

- © Fairfax NZ News