Big weekend for Dunedin, but only one couch burns

Only one couch was set alight as Dunedin experienced a generally quiet weekend, despite Carisbrook's last test match hurrah and the closing of a large student bar, say police.

The busy weekend passed without major incident after extra police were drafted in from Invercargill and Christchurch as thousands descended on Dunedin for Saturday's game between the All Blacks and Wales, won 42-9 by the All Blacks.

Dunedin emergency response commander, Inspector Alastair Dickie, said the closure of the Gardens Tavern - known as the Gardies - in the student quarter, a night earlier than planned, went smoothly, with a generally good natured crowd and only one arrest.

Buses took people away from the area when the tavern closed at midnight after the publican decided not to open yesterday, to avoid "stress and damage".

"On Saturday there was little activity in the student area with the exception of one couch fire in the evening outside a rowdy party. However, this was an isolated incident," Mr Dickie said.

Burning couches are a traditional part of Dunedin student celebrations.

It was the 37th and final rugby test at Carisbrook after 102 years.

Police made six arrests for disorder-related offences and about 15 people were removed for bottle throwing. Others were ejected for being intoxicated.

A large number of police and security staff pounced on a small section of the crowd fighting and throwing bottles near the end of the game, Mr Dickie said.

Punters who flocked to the central city Octagon and bars after the match had been generally well behaved.

By 3am about 25 people had been arrested, mainly for disorder offences.

- NZPA