Community work warning at gardens

The Dunedin Botanic Garden. Photo: ODT files
The Dunedin Botanic Garden. Photo: ODT files
Students  who drink and make a mess in the Dunedin Botanic Garden have been warned they might find themselves back there doing early-morning community work.

The warning came after a large group of students scaled locked gates to party in the botanic garden late on Sunday.

Senior Sergeant Ben Butterfield, of Dunedin, said police were called to the botanic garden about 11.30pm after a complaint from a neighbouring business.

Police ``moved on'' about 200 students, who were drinking and creating ``disorder'' in the garden, Snr Sgt Butterfield said.

``We are very disappointed by that type of behaviour. It is not something we want or expect.''

No-one was arrested but police would be talking to the University of Otago about the incident.

Police would be patrolling the garden to ensure it did not happen again, he said.

Council recreation planning and facilities manager Jendi Paterson said the students scaled locked gates and had a ``significant amount of alcohol''.

While drinking alcohol in the garden was allowed during opening hours,

``the intent isn't for people to climb over fences when the garden is closed''.

Council staff and contractors spent five hours picking up rubbish, including broken glass, she said.

The council would be working closely with police, university and halls of residence to prevent it happening again.

University proctor Dave Scott said he had arranged for community service to undertaken in the garden this year by students disciplined under the university's code of conduct.

If a student was contemplating partying in the garden they should ``prepare for some very early starts, having to do clean-ups under supervision'', Mr Scott said.

 

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