A group of students is urging the University of Otago to open more student bars in competition with flat parties, following the tragic death of Sophia Crestani, Charlotte Mulder reports.
The 19-year-old was crushed in a stairwell pile-up in a party at a Dunedin flat, known as The Manor, in October 2019.
An inquest is now underway and has heard how the party became a nightmare when over 500 people showed up. Sophia died at the scene.
Since then, a dozen University of Otago students have created a group called "Hold On To Your Friends" – or HOTYF – with the aim of improving Dunedin’s intense drinking culture.
Co-founders Bede Brown and Niamh Orr-Walker say there is a lack of affordable student bars and it’s driving some students to drink at flats.
The parents of Crestani, who was crushed to death at an out of control student party, were emotional as they thanked police today. (Source: 1News)
"These flat parties are cheap, free of rules and regulations which inevitably have consequences,” Orr-Walker said. "Would you rather pay $8 for a bottle of wine with seven standard drinks, or $8 for a standard glass?”
The University of Otago Student Association had run a popular spot called Starters Bar, but this closed in 2021 due to health and safety concerns with the building.
Another popular student hangout, Gardens Bar or ‘Gardies’, was closed after it was purchased by the University a decade ago, and has now been converted into a study centre.
Orr-Walker said there is U-BAR in the University open for Wednesday $4 pint nights, however the line is “out the door” making it difficult to gain access with such a high demand.
“HOTYF would love to cultivate a social space in which alcohol is regulated but still affordable to students,” she said.
The group added that off-licence alcohol is much cheaper, easily available and in close proximity to students – meaning there is not a lot of competition to big flat parties.
Brown claimed the University had communicated no intention of reopening any bars to replace the old ones.
“These bars were good because they allowed students to drink in a security controlled environment, this is just reducing the amount of safe spaces for young adults to drink.”
University: 'We take pastoral care extremely seriously'
In response the University of Otago said its primary goal is to be a tertiary education provider, but it takes its role as providing pastoral care “extremely seriously”.
A spokesperson pointed out that UBar is still operating, and that
Starters Bar was open at the time of Crestani’s death and the student association, which it funded, was now investigating options for Starters Bars in the future.
“The university is very supportive of this,” the spokesperson said.
It added the Union dining hall had been redeveloped into a new café with a liquor license, Auahi Ora, where students can socialise. The main Common Room and Union Hall were also available for large student events.
Despite this, Orr-Walker says overcrowded flat parties have continued.
“Sophia's passing was not an isolated event, there’s been many parties before which could have resulted in the same outcome as the Manor House. It's not the hosts, it's the culture.”
HOTYF is also working on initiatives to help, including student takeover where they showcase student musicians at local Dunedin pubs. There is free entry to make it as accessible as possible, and an alternative to a flat party night.
The group helps organise events such as their bi-annual Castle Street clean-up. This is where students clean the street, and waste management takes the rubbish away for free.
They also facilitate flat chat initiatives discussing mental health with prominent Dunedin students.
“I think there’s a positive change amongst the third and fourth-year students allowing dialogue to be more open and real about the drinking peer pressure,” Orr-Walker said.
The co-founder said it’s more difficult to get through to the fresher students, who seek out scenarios that fulfil the drinking culture.
“Unfortunately students across the country are often drawn to Dunedin from its party name, which will ultimately result in tragic consequences.”
She said their group wants to continue to sustain the university experience, whilst taking out the dangerous elements where things tend to get too out of hand.
“The message isn’t as powerful coming from the authority, compared to hearing it from within the community from fellow peers.”
The University also said it has implemented public health initiatives to tackle drinking culture.
“There is a huge amount of work that goes on, primarily led by the Proctor’s Office and Campus Watch, in to helping reduce alcohol harm among students,” the spokesperson said.
“Not least, working closely with police where they become aware of alcohol manufacturers undertaking initiatives to promote the sale of alcohol to students.”
Both HOTYF co-founders think the issues run deep within the student environment, and can’t be solved by banning alcohol in the area.
They hope their group can create a sustainable future, and survive beyond their degrees.
“We mustn’t forget what happened to Sophia, nor let the binge drinking culture continue,” Orr-Walker said.
“Even though we are making progress as a group, the surrounding areas are taking backward steps. So it’s important we continue now more than ever for future generations.”
“It starts with students, and it will end with students,” Brown added.
The inquest into Crestani’s death will wrap up in the Dunedin District Court at the end of this week.
By Charlotte Mulder
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