A question set in OUSA’s May referendum — submitted by a student — asked whether the association should expand the North Dunedin party. Association administrative vice-president Cam Meads said OUSA was happy with the existing format.
However, since the idea had received student support the association was bound to see if it was possible. Fifty-one percent of students who took part in the referendum voted yes. In total about 2816 students took part, about 14% of the student population. The capacity of the annual student costume party is set at 3600 people.
Mr Meads said he thought expanding the event to other streets, such as nearby Leith St, would be potentially unfair to residents of those areas.
"I don’t know if we could impose it on them."
This year only one person was arrested, and three were taken to hospital. Mr Meads said the party had gone well this year, as evidenced by the lack of negative media coverage of the event.
"There was no ruckus, and no antics. It went pretty smoothly."
In previous years the event led to arrests and hospital admissions, and a roof collapse in 2012.
OUSA took over organisation of the event in 2013, enabling the party to keep going. A Dunedin City Council spokeswoman said if an application to extend the Hyde Street Party was received, the DCC would work with all stakeholders involved to assess any potential changes to the arrangements.
A university spokeswoman said the university had no comment to make on the idea, and a police spokesman also said any changes to the Hyde St event were for OUSA to comment on. Fire and Emergency New Zealand Dunedin Central senior station officer Rob Torrance said as long as students worked in co-operation with emergency services, there was no reason the party should not be expanded.
While there was "always a danger of someone injuring themselves" people were more safety-conscious now, he thought.
Since OUSA took over the event had "greatly improved", he said.