Colourful costumes, music and a plentiful supply of alcohol turned Dunedin’s Hyde St into party central at the weekend, but a fair degree of order was also maintained.
About 3000 people were expected at the ticketed event from 10am until 6pm on Saturday and much effort had clearly gone into preparations, from participant costume selection to measures in place to help maintain student wellbeing.
The party was organised by the Otago University Students’ Association, with help from emergency services and volunteers, and flats in the street adopted various themes.
Jordan Sadlier told media his flat had gone for a Woodstock 1960s’ theme.
Partying in his flat started at 7am and he said about 11am his intended approach was to "make it through the day".
This year, people chose to dress as chickens, various fruits and rats — in homage to the recent Countdown South Dunedin rat infestation.
Themes included "cops and robbers", "pilots and flight attendants" and "conspiracy theories".
Police said afterwards they were "celebrating the behaviour of revellers".
"Only two people were arrested for assault and both individuals received a warning", a spokesman said.
Police were able to "enjoy the day, engage with partygoers, and admire the wonderfully weird outfits on display".
Hato Hone St John event health services was hired to provide first aid and medical cover.
"It was a very well-managed event, and our crew of 12 ambulance staff reported a very light workload and were pleased with the overall behaviour of the attendees", a spokeswoman said.
St John refered the Otago Daily Times to the organiser of the event for information about the number of people who required its assistance and were transported to the hospital.
A Students’ Association spokeswoman said there were minimal numbers of people going through student support safety team Are You Ok? and fewer needing St John attention.
The event evolved out of the notorious annual Hyde St keg party and it was now a more measured affair.
Association president Keegan Wells said the aim was to create "a fun, safe environment for our students to party".
University of Otago acting vice-chancellor Helen Nicholson said the event had become "better and better".
Asked to nominate her favourite costume, she said "the chickens are pretty good".
