Non-students make up most of Dunedin’s St Patrick’s Day arrests

Dunedin’s student population took to the streets from the early hours on Sunday morning to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, though it was largely out-of-towners who caused headaches for police.

Of the seven arrests in the student quarter on St Patrick’s Day, only one was a student.

Heavy bass music sounded throughout the North Dunedin suburb from as early as 6am on Sunday as students and out-of-towners alike took to the streets to partake in the festivities.

Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond said he was happy with the behavior of the local students.

“Every one of them enjoyed the day,” he said.

Dunedin students celebrate St Patrick's Day. Photo / Otago Daily Times

The first arrest occurred early at 7.45am on Leith St, one of the main centres of Sunday’s celebrations.

A 19-year-old male builder, a non-student, was arrested for disorder, said Bond.

Not much later at 8.10am, a 19-year-old female, a non-student who travelled to Dunedin from Invercargill for the event, was arrested for assault.

Students celebrating St Patrick's Day in Dunedin. Photo / Ben Tomsett

At 11am on George St, two 19-year-old males were arrested and charged with offensive language.

One of those arrested was a student, while the other was not, police said.

At 2.25pm, a 19-year-old male non-student visiting Dunedin from the North Island was arrested for offensive language.

Dunedin students celebrate St Patrick's Day. Photo / Otago Daily Times

At 7.35pm, two non-students, 21 and 20, were arrested at Dundas St after throwing rubbish on a vehicle, and becoming aggressive and abusive towards police when spoken to.

St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Dunedin’s student quarter have made headlines in previous years for causing chaos and disruptions.