Dunedin police say drunken student behaviour for the second night in a row was disappointing but probably predictable.
"The annual Undie 500 event only brings grief to Dunedin," Area Commander Inspector Dave Campbell said. "Despite promises about improved behaviour nothing has changed," he said.
Trouble started soon after midnight when police went to arrest an offender. The crowd then advanced on police lines.
The event has once again shown that when large numbers of young adults gather and drink to excess mass disorder is inevitable, Inspector Campbell said.
Again bottles were thrown at police who had to use team policing units wearing personal protection equipment to disperse a crowd of about 600 people. This took over an hour.
Many students were pepper sprayed when they challenged the police line and officers, Inspector Campbell said.
Between 50 and 60 arrests were made for offences ranging from breaching the temporary liquor ban, disorderly behaviour, obstruction and wilfully setting fire to property. Those people will appear in court at the end of the week.
ENDS