Annual student party cancelled in Dunedin after 3000 say they will attend

Student parties in Dunedin can escalate quickly. Photo / Otago Daily Times

An annual party at a sponsored student flat has been cancelled after more than 3000 people indicated they would attend.

A spokesman for beverage company Frucor said the V flat party - originally scheduled for tonight - was cancelled due to "safety concerns".

"Our number one priority is the safety of anyone attending any event associated with V," Frucor acting marketing director Luke Rive said.

"The flatmates have been asked to cancel the party on the advice of NZ police and the university due to safety concerns, particularly in regard to flow over on to the street."

That decision was made last week, and a Facebook page has since been taken down.

Flatmates told the Otago Daily Times they supported the decision after watching the number of people saying they would attend the event rise from a manageable several hundred people to 3000.

"It just got too big," a flatmate said.

A University of Otago spokeswoman confirmed the tertiary institution had safety concerns with the event, but was not in a position to comment further.

Dunedin police acting prevention manager Inspector Amelia Steel said police were aware of the planned party and liaised with the landlord of the flat.

"However, we understand that the decision not to hold the party was made by the tenants."

The number of people indicating they had planned to attend the event showed how quickly events could be shared via social media.

"The host ultimately has absolutely no control over who attends or how many people attend," she said.

Mr Rive confirmed the party was held annually by each group of flatmates and activities were the flatmates' responsibility, with the company providing V product for the event.

Asked of he was surprised more than 3000 people had indicated their interest in attending the party, he said "this is the first time the interest has reached this level".

The sponsored flat, which has been in Dunedin for five years, gives students a chance to live in a flat for reduced rent.