Dunedin's annual Hyde St party has got off to a strong start, with hundreds of students enjoying music and sunshine at the once-notorious event.
As of about 10.45am, hundreds of students wearing a plethora of costumes — from an aubergine outfit to a preponderance of Luigi jumpsuits and everything in between — were dancing to thumping music from soundsystems set up in the front yard of three student flats.
Thousands more were expected to descend on the street by mid-afternoon.
The students are being observed by a battalion of hi-vis-vested security guards, positioned strategically in backyards to stop the ever-present threat of fence jumpers, while clusters of police patrol between throngs of partygoers on the street.
Otago University Students Association (OUSA) president Quintin Jane said it was his first Hyde St party.
The atmosphere was really great and everyone was really excited to be there, Mr Jane said.
A lot of organisation had gone into setting up the event, and it was the 10th anniversary of OUSA taking over the running of the party.They took over after the 2012 event, when a roof collapsed and 15 revellers were arrested.
"We took it over just to make sure that the event was safe and could still go ahead, and that students who came along could have a good time," Mr Jane said.
Police, St John, Know Your Stuff, Red Frogs and OUSA are you okay? volunteers were present to ensure students could enjoy themselves.
Ultimately, it was a student led event, which OUSA helped facilitate, Mr Jane said.
While students organised bands, DJs and themes, OUSA helped provide logistical support and security.
All 3800 "hotly contested" tickets sold out, most of which were allocated to students through a lottery system, although residents of the street also got tickets they could provide to friends, Mr Jane said.
Campus cop Senior Constable John Woodhouse said he was looking forward to a fantastic day where everyone had a good time in a safe environment.
While it was just getting underway, he expected the party would go smoothly, as it had for the past several years.
"Long may the tradition continue," Snr Const Woodhouse said.
Acting vice-chancellor Prof Helen Nicholson said she expected the high point of the day would be students meeting up with their friends.
The event had evolved over the years, and having OUSA running it was beneficial for students, the university and the wider city.
"I think we’re really fortunate to have a really strong OUSA, and one that works closely with the university," Prof Nicholson said.
Along with emergency services, the Sophia Charter had brought them closer together.
Two students spoken to by the Otago Daily Times said they had heard rumours of binge drinking and drug taking at the party, which they expected would be substantiated before the day was out.
A flat of residents on the street said they were happy to be enjoying the day with friends in a safe environment.
Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said the weather had turned itself on for the party, resulting in "another Dunner stunner".
While there had been a few people kicked out for jumping fences, the crowd had been good natured.
Officers had lots of positive engagement and photos taken with the 3800 students who were in attendance.
There were no arrests which was pleasing, but due also due to the work done by the agencies in attendance.
St John treated 22 people, two were taken to Dunedin Hospital -- one of whom suffered a head injury after falling from a roof and another for severe intoxication.
A St John spokesman said the person who fell was moderately injured.
