University of Otago proctor Dave Scott speaks to media about the taking of bongs from student flats

Dunedin students who had drug-taking equipment taken from inside their flat without permission do not want the offending university official sacked.

The University of Otago's proctor says he made an "error of judgment" entering a student flat and removing three bongs, but maintains he is no "criminal".

Dave Scott, a former police officer, spoke to media on Tuesday, hours after he apologised to the Leith St occupants for his actions. The proctor's role is essentially a student supervisor.

HAMISH McNEILLY/STUFF University of Otago proctor Dave Scott speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, where he responded questions about his student flat bong confiscation.

A flat spokesman said the group accepted his apology.

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"We don't think he's a bad guy at all, he was just doing his job. But the fact is he did commit an offence that would get anyone without his title in serious trouble".

HAMISH MCNEILLY/STUFF Scott, a former police officer, has come under fire after reportedly removing drug-taking equipment from at least four student flats in Dunedin.

The flatmates, who were out of pocket $400 over the destroyed bongs, didn't want Scott to lose his job.

"He does do a great job as a proctor," he said.

Hundreds signed a petition calling for Scott's immediate resignation, and $25,000 has been committed for a private prosecution against him.

Lawyers around New Zealand have said his actions could amount to unlawful entry.

A visibly upset Scott told media he made a "human" mistake.

His intention was to deal with the situation where the students would avoid prosecution and criminal convictions, but in hindsight he realised this was wrong.

To his knowledge, he would not face disciplinary action or lose his job. Vice Chancellor Harlene Hayne was aware of what happened, he said.

Scott said he entered the flat while delivering information on how to be a good host.

He went to flat in question and found the rear sliding door "wide open".

He knocked on the door, yelled out, but there was no reply. He saw the three bongs for cannabis smoking.

"I chose to deal with that situation myself, so, wrongly, with the benefit of hindsight, I entered the room."

He took the bongs and destroyed them.

"My intention in doing that was to deal with the situation at a proctorial level ... without involving police."

MORE BONG-TAKING ALLEGATIONS

Stuff spoke to other flatmates on Castle St, in the heart of the student quarter, who confirmed a plastic and glass bong had been removed from inside their flat in March.

A flatmate was called to see Scott the next day on another matter, and was told to explain the bongs.

The group said they were surprised to hear Scott saying he had entered only one flat, and they had not received an apology over the incident.

"He's an all-good dude, but it is just an abuse of power," said one of the flatmates.

Scott said to the best of his knowledge, he had not entered other flats and taken items during his two-and-a-half years in the role, but confirmed he had taken bongs from backyard picnic tables, which was also wrong.

"Clearly I need to change my process."

Scott would not comment on whether his actions amounted to theft.

"I'm willing to learn from it. Does that make me a criminal? I don't think so."

He also reiterated he was sorry for his staff removing and destroying from campus copies of student magazine Critic's menstruation issue in May.

As for the potential private prosecution looming, Scott said he was "open to scrutiny".

VICE CHANCELLOR HAS 'FULL CONFIDENCE'

Vice Chancellor Harlene Hayne issued a statement on Tuesday saying the university was clear Scott did not have the power to enter private premises.

The university was also clear he acted with the "pastoral interests of the flatmates in mind", but the concern was understandable and he would not repeat his actions.

"It continues to have full confidence in Mr Scott," the statement said.

Hayne said she had discussed Scott's actions with him, and he agreed it would not happen again.

She said he had an excellent relationship with the vast majority of students, kept the community safe and had the best interests of the students at heart.