UC student's death: 'How did we miss him?'

The director of an accommodation provider where a body of a student was found says he is haunted by the question of "how did we miss him?"

On Monday evening, the body of a student was discovered at Canterbury University's Sonoda Christchurch Campus accommodation.

It has been reported the body may have gone unnoticed for up to eight weeks, only being reported after other students noticed an odour.

The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, however a police disaster identification team (DVI) was called in to investigate.

Campus Living Villages group managing director John Schroder addressed media on Thursday afternoon for the first time since the young man's body was discovered.

"If something needs to change in the way we operate our services my assurance is we will do it. We can never eliminate all risk, but we can, and we must do all we can to minimize it."

He said the questions of "how did we miss him" and "why did it take so long" haunted him. 

"Our priority is and always will be the wellbeing of our students and staff. At all times we try to balance the wishes and rights of young adults with our role in providing a supportive environment."

He said the facts of the incident may not be known for several weeks and said it wasn't yet known how long the body had been there. 

"We don't know if it's eight weeks.

"The type of accommodation offered at Sonoda Village is designed to give students maximum independence and as such it doesn't involve the automatic interactions and checks of a fully serviced hall or residence."

Mr Schroder said he had met with the family on Thursday morning.

The student was not classified as a "student of concern" under its classification system and welfare checks are conducted on those students, he said.

He said he is not aware of anyone wanting to leave the accommodation since the incident but those living near the man who died have been moved to different living areas. 

Canterbury University vice-chancellor Cheryl de la Rey has also fronted media and says no question will be left unanswered following an investigation into a student's death.

She also did not rule out terminating the contract with the accommodation provider where the student's body was found. 

Ms de la Rey said: "I deeply regret what has happened."

The university has come under criticism for its handling of the investigation since the news broke. 

Ms de la Rey said the university will reveal the terms of reference of an independent investigation and who will be running the investigation in the next couple of days.

"We will make sure no question is left unanswered and will do everything in our power to stop this happening ever again," Ms De la Rey said.

Ms De la Rey said the university has had a contract with Campus Living Villages since 2015, and did not rule out on terminating the contract, if the report of the investigation recommends it.

Education Minister Chris Hipkins called for a "thorough investigation" following the discovery.

The minister voiced concerns on Wednesday over the amount of time it took to find the young man's body.

Mr Schroder said an informal ceremony was held on site on Wednesday for the student.