Glass bottles flew between two Riccarton student flats, leaving at least five young people bloodied.
One student says she now avoids campus after a bottle struck her face near her eye.
Police were told about the incident on Hanrahan Street, near the University of Canterbury, after bottles were thrown between neighbouring house parties late last month.
The parties were part of a run of gatherings ahead of Electric Avenue, a Christchurch music festival that draws students from across the country during Orientation Week and the start of the academic year.
What happened on Hanrahan Street in Riccarton
Students from the University of Canterbury, Ara Institute of Canterbury and the University of Otago were among those injured when several bottles were thrown over a fence between two properties.
Twenty-one-year-old Jade Holmes travelled from Dunedin for the festival and was talking to a friend when she was hit just below her right eye.
“We didn’t really know that [throwing bottles] was a thing. Otherwise, I think we would have gotten out of harm’s way,” Holmes said.
Holmes said she did not feel pain straight away, but panicked after seeing blood.
“This shouldn’t be happening at an Electric Ave [pre-party]. I shouldn’t be belted in the face with a bottle, because this is supposed to be fun and, instead, I am having to be worried about my wellbeing,” she said.
She said she has since had migraines and vision problems, and fears she may have sustained a second concussion.
Injuries and ongoing impacts on study and daily life
Holmes said strangers have questioned her about the injury, including during everyday errands.
“I didn’t really want to go to uni, and actually I was being approached by people asking about my eye at the supermarket, even The Warehouse. It made me feel really uncomfortable.”
She said she holds a general description of one of the alleged bottle throwers and tried to identify him by contacting people from the other flat.
Holmes said she was denied information about the person’s identity, leaving her feeling those responsible faced no consequences.
“I definitely am still angry. I feel like all of them got off scot-free because we never found out who it was and none of them were affected, whereas like me and the others who were struck, it was quite scary, like if I lost my vision, it would’ve been really s***.”
I definitely am still angry. I feel like all of them got off scot-free because we never found out who it was and none of them were affected, whereas like me and the others who were struck, it was quite scary, like if I lost my vision, it would’ve been really s***.
Another injured student, 20-year-old Ara Institute of Canterbury student Michaela Deegan, said she was hit on the top of her head while trying to move away from danger.
The wound bled heavily, and she said friends did not recognise her at first.
Deegan said there was confusion at the time about where the bottles were coming from.
“Both sides of the fence thought they were getting the worst of it,” she said.
Who was hurt and what students say they saw
Deegan said she has had a concussion before and has since experienced similar symptoms.
“The first time back at the gym after it happening, I was vomiting in the bathroom,” she said.
Both women said they felt lucky their injuries were not more serious given the proximity to the head and eyes.
“Thank God it’s not worse . people die from brain injuries, and it’s just irresponsible for people to be throwing s*** that does not need to be thrown . that kind of behaviour is so preventable,” Deegan said.
Police response and what happens next
The students said police were informed at the time, but both Holmes and Deegan had left before officers arrived.
Police have been approached for comment.
Serious head injuries can require medical assessment, including concussion checks and follow-up, and health guidance urges people to seek medical help if symptoms worsen. The Health New Zealand concussion advice lists warning signs such as worsening headache, confusion, and repeated vomiting.
The incident has renewed calls from some students for safer Orientation Week settings, including clearer expectations around glass at parties and quicker reporting when violence breaks out.
Electric Avenue has become a marker on the student calendar, and organisers have previously urged attendees to plan transport and look after friends. Students heading into next year’s festival season can also track major dates through the Christchurch events guide.
For students needing support after an assault, the New Zealand Police advice on violence support sets out reporting options and victim services.
A separate story on a youth service, Passages youth hub demand, has highlighted rising needs for early help when young people feel unsafe.
Holmes said she remains worried about how the injury could affect her studies if symptoms persist.
