Students ‘let loose’ at Hyde St Party

Two people were taken to hospital from Dunedin’s Hyde St Party, one after falling from a roof and the other for severe intoxication.

The event otherwise went smoothly.

About 10.45am, hundreds of students wearing a plethora of costumes — from Where’s Wally to orange jump-suited inmates and everything in between — were dancing to thumping music from sound systems set up the front yard of three student flats.

Thousands more students arrived over the course of the afternoon, until one-way doors were put in place at 4pm.

Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said the weather had turned itself on for the party, resulting in "another Dunner stunner".

St John treated 22 people, two of whom were taken to Dunedin Hospital, one with a head injury caused by falling from a roof, and another for severe intoxication, Snr Sgt Bond said.

While a few people were kicked out of the party for jumping fences, the crowd had been good-natured.

Officers had a lot of positive engagement with party-goers and had photos taken with the 3800 students in attendance.

There were no arrests which was pleasing, largely due to the work done by the various agencies in attendance.

A St John spokesman said the person who fell was moderately injured.

Otago University Students Association (OUSA) president Quintin Jane said the atmosphere had been really good.

It was the 10th anniversary of OUSA taking over the running of the party, following the 2012 event, which was marred by a roof collapsing and 15 revellers being 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 and 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 enable, Mr Jane said.

All 3800 of the "hotly contested" tickets had quickly sold out, most of which were allocated to students through a lottery system, although residents of the street also got tickets they could give to friends, Mr Jane said.

OUSA events, clubs and recreation general manager Jason Schroeder said the party featured three stages along with more entertainment put on by residents in their backyards.

While residents had organised the performers, OUSA had provided assistance to hire sound systems, make sure they were safe and subsidise the costs.

About 24 artists played at the day-long event.

There were also three barbecues and steam buns on hand — along with water and aid stations — to ensure students could make the most of the party.

Organising the event had started at the end of last year, Mr Schroeder said.

Acting vice-chancellor Prof Helen Nicholson said 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.

The Sophia Charter had brought them — and other partner agencies, including emergency services — closer together.

Hyde St residents Samara Zegwaard (21), Heather Miller (20), Maddie Barrett (20) and Meaghan Watts (20) were enjoying their second Hyde St Party on Saturday.

Ms Miller said the event had been really well organised and had been super-easy for the residents to partake in.

"They really look after us," she said.

The event was special because everyone was there to have a good time and it felt like you were friends with everybody.

"People just want to party and dress up — you don’t meet anyone who’s rude or anything," Ms Miller said.

Ms Barrett agreed.

"Its nice because its a day-long party and you know that you’re going to be safe — so everyone’s letting lose and enjoying themselves, and you know that no-one is really going to get hurt at the end of the day," she said.

oscar.francis@odt.co.nz