The man appeared in Christchurch District Court on Wednesday. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
A man arrested at a university hall has appeared in Christchurch District Court on weapons charges.
He was arrested in the early hours of Thursday at Canterbury University's Tupuānuku hall of residence after being found with a baton and a knife.
Ammunition was also seized by police, though no one was harmed in the incident.
Police withdrew an initial arms possession charge in court on Wednesday, replacing it with an offensive weapon charge instead.
The man did not enter any pleas to the charges.
Judge Murray Hunt granted name suppression and remanded him on bail.
He was scheduled to appear in court again next month.
A Canterbury University spokesperson said student and staff wellbeing and safety was important and it was taking the matter seriously.
"UC offers numerous student support services and we encourage any student who needs support to make contact.
"Students who feel their assessment performance has been affected can apply for special consideration."
Unilodge, which manages the hall of residence, said it had been supporting students directly affected by the incident.
It refused to comment further, as the matter was part of a police investigation and before the courts.
Meanwhile, the University of Canterbury Students' Association said the seizure of weapons and the arrest had been stressful for students.
Many students were concerned and the students' association was offering support, UCSA president Pierce Crowley said.
It was already a stressful time of year because exams were about to begin, he said.
