The manager of a short-term rental where a large teenage party spiralled out of control says he is the “number one victim” after the Mt Albert house was trashed.
Mass disorder broke out on Friday night during the gathering.
Dozens of police officers, ambulance staff and firefighters rushed to the incident, which spread across a number of streets, with up to 100 people gathered.
Six young people were injured, amid reports of machetes and a car being driven at partygoers.
Phyllis St property manager Quan Shu said he was not responsible for the “deeply concerning” incident, which was beyond his control as only two people had legitimately booked the property.
Shu’s company, ARent1, said a signed agreement clearly restricted the number of occupants and strictly prohibited parties, large gatherings, excessive noise, and unlawful activity.
“I’m the number one victim,” Shu claimed.
Several neighbours told the Herald the street became filled with drunk “kids” screaming, crying and throwing bottles.
Resident Sharon Buckley said she witnessed a partygoer get stabbed. The victim took refuge at a neighbour’s house across the road.
“That’s traumatic for them. They’ve got two little kids at home, they saw all that.
“He was out hosing blood off his steps, not something you want to do on a Friday night, not in this nice little quiet street,” she said.
Buckley said she believed the owner of the property, which is listed on booking sites such as Airbnb and Booking.com, should be responsible and apologise.
Shu, who is the building manager of two Phyllis St properties, told the Herald only two people had booked the property through Booking.com.
A Booking.com spokesperson said they were sorry to hear of the distress experienced by residents. They are investigating this incident, including whether it related to a Booking.com property and/or reservation.
The spokesperson said accommodation partners are expected to adhere to trust and safety policies.
“We provide tools on our platform that enable accommodation partners to set occupancy limits and clear house rules, including a ‘No Parties’ policy, which guests must read and agree to before booking,” the spokesperson said.
Booking.com said in the rare event they are made aware of unlawful or disruptive behaviour at a listed property, they investigate thoroughly.
They also co-operate with local authorities where appropriate, and take necessary action, including removing listings or blocking customer and/or partner accounts.
Shu learned of the incident on Sunday after being approached by a news organisation. Before that, he was only aware that something had happened nearby.
ARent1 said in a statement it acknowledged the distress caused to neighbouring residents and understood their concerns.
“We do not knowingly accept bookings for parties or events.
“As the property manager, we are not responsible for damages or consequences resulting from such unlawful behaviour.
“That said, we remain open to co-operating with any official processes and authorities addressing the matter,” the statement read.
Shu described the damage the party caused as “heavy” and said it had cost them thousands of dollars.
ARent1 said it took the matter seriously and was actively reviewing its procedures to further minimise risk.
“This includes strengthening booking screening processes, reinforcing communication of house rules, and considering additional safeguards to prevent unauthorised gatherings,” it said.
Shu said that to prevent this problem, there was a need for education around following the law.
“If you want to have a party, book a party venue,” he said.
Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Darvill said the behaviour of some in attendance was clearly unacceptable.
He said while police understood the community’s frustration and concern, the incident appeared to be isolated.
Darvill urged anyone with information, including cellphone footage, who had not yet spoken to police, to come forward.
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