The Agnew St keg party — held on a steep, hill-top dead-end street each August — usually attracts thousands of students.
Street residents, police, ambulance, fire and University of Otago representatives met earlier this year to discuss the party, and concerns about limited access to the street were raised.
In a recent statement to student magazine Critic Te Arohi, University of Otago proctor Dave Scott said there would be no support from emergency services for this year’s event.
"There was a recent community meeting hosted by OUSA [the Otago University Students’ Association] and involving key stakeholders, including the University of Otago and emergency services.
"All stakeholders agreed to help support an event on Hyde St this year so it goes ahead in a managed way.
"However, because of safety concerns and potential for real risk to party-goers because of limited access to Agnew St by emergency services, there is no support for an event in Agnew St."
The meeting left residents unsure whether thousands of students will be able to grace their front yards again this year.
Last year’s event was cancelled because of a mix of concerns about accessibility and Covid-19.
"We are extremely grateful to the Agnew St residents of 2020 who decided not to go ahead with an event," Mr Scott said.
In 2019, there was a heavy police presence in the area for the party, and about 17 people who had been at the party needed treatment at Dunedin Hospital’s emergency department for injuries and intoxication.
Senior Sergeant Craig Dinnissen, of Dunedin, said reducing alcohol-related harm was a top priority for police.
"In the first instance, we look to take an education approach and prevent harm.
"Our staff work together with students in their planning of parties to ensure that they are held safely, enjoyably and lawfully."
