Dunedin police are hopeful students have great lectures they want to attend without hangovers on Monday, because it could limit the chaos and carnage of St Patrick’s Day festivities this Sunday.
But Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond was realistic about the situation and said extra staff had been rostered on, to provide a high police presence across north Dunedin during the weekend.
Traditionally, the alcohol-fuelled events make for a busy day for emergency services personnel, including paramedics, police and hospital staff.
Over the years, shenanigans on the day have spiraled out of control in Dunedin’s student quarter, leaving many with acute intoxication, injuries from falls, property damage and fires.
And the number of injuries and crimes on St Patrick’s Day has continued to rise in the city.
"This year, we’re hoping to see similar behaviour that we saw during Flo and O Week, which would be pleasing," Snr Sgt Bond said.
"We’re mindful that St Patrick’s Day falls on Sunday this year, so hopefully, a lot of the students will have lectures on Monday that they will want to attend.
"Typically, it doesn’t matter what day of the week St Patrick’s Day is on, so we’re prepared for a busy weekend for emergency services."
Police alcohol prevention officers had been busy over the past week talking to people who had registered their St Patrick’s Day parties through the Good One online party register, he said.
Good One is an initiative backed by a number of community and government organisations, including police, student associations, universities, polytechs, Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, the ACC, the Health Promotion Agency and Red Frogs.
Snr Sgt Bond said its aim was to ensure people had great parties where everyone felt safe and stayed safe.
"We’ve been communicating with hosts about how to do things safely, like knowing the limits of people inside or out, no fires, what to do if uninvited guests turn up (we encourage hosts to call the police), providing food and water, looking after people — host responsibility, essentially."
The main concerns were about young people climbing on to roofs and falling off, and "the over-indulgence in alcohol", which put people at risk of serious harm.
"It’s on our calendar as an event that we oversee and try to limit hospitalisations or use of other emergency service times, such as Fire and Emergency New Zealand and St John.
"While they’re dealing with intoxicated students, that is time that can’t be spent with sick elderly or children."
