The University of Canterbury has launched an independent investigation after the body of a student at a university accomodation was not discovered for several weeks.
The man - who has been identified by the university as a New Zealander - was dead for a number of weeks before being found on Monday.
University vice-chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey said there would be a comprehensive investigation to identify how this situation could have occured and what actions needed to be taken.
She said support was in place for students within the privately run Sonada Village, where the body was found.
Dr de la Rey said with comprehensive pastoral care programmes in place, it was inconceivable to imagine this had occured.
The university said the family of the deceased student had requested privacy.
Three uniformed police officers were at the site this morning.
A university spokesperson said they were saddened by the death and counselling would be freely available to students and staff who wanted it.
A post-mortem was conducted yesterday.
