Fires and a burnt wallaby at St Patrick's Day celebrations in Dunedin University

St Patrick's Day celebrations in New Zealand's Dunedin University has generated a lot of controversy with several students allegedly found binge drinking, reports of couches being set on wire and even a burnt wallaby, a macropod animal similar to kangaroos.

New Zealand media reported large groups of students moving around the streets near Dunedin University early Monday (March 17) morning with many indulging in a challenge known as “six before six”, which is about consuming six alcoholic beverages before 6am.

Many students admitted that it was a popular way of celebration among them. As the day progressed, the number of students increased manifold and there was loud music too.


Streets were littered with broken glasses and at least one also had a burnt couch. According to police officers, at least four such fires were reported from the area with the The Otago Daily Times reporting that a wallaby was found burned on one of the couches.

Police have confirmed that they are investigating the alleged incident of a wallaby being burnt.

Some students of the University of Otago from Wellington, who had taken part in the St Patrick's Day celebrations, denied taking part in lighting the fires. “We don’t do that stuff,” a University of Otago student stated.

There was heavy police presence and regular patrols in the area as hundreds of students came out in the streets to take part in the celebrations.

A police officer identified as Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond said police officers were out patrolling the student quarter area since 6am. He also added that they have made no arrests till midday although they were investigating the fires.

Another police officer confirmed about the burnt wallaby incident. “One instance where an animal has been burned, however, it appears to have been dead for a period of time beforehand. The animal has since been removed,” the cop admitted.