The Otago University Students' Association is encouraging students who witnessed a drunk student at the Hyde St keg party shoulder charge a St John's ambulance, smashing its windshield, to make contact with the Dunedin police.

"It is terribly disappointing to have the actions of a small number of people cast a poor reflection upon the many party goers who had a safe and enjoyable time" said OUSA president Paul Hunt.

FROM THE ARCHIVES:

* Calls to end Dunedin scarfy party

* Planning to cork keg chaos

The total arrests at the party represent 0.3 per cent of the total ticket holders for this event and were on par with previous years, said the organisation.

"OUSA became involved in the Hyde Street Party to help coordinate safety measures to keep both the attendees and the staff working on the front line of these services safer; which is why this particular incident is so disappointing" said Hunt.

"We are of course always aiming to lower the number of incidents through the measures put in place, and will continue to work collaboratively with all the stakeholders towards achieving this aim".

PARAMEDIC COVERED IN GLASS SHARDS

Police have condemned a drunken man at Dunedin's notorious Hyde Street keg party after he shoulder-barged an ambulance's windscreen.

The man damaged three cars, including a St John ambulance being driven by a paramedic and causing her to be covered in shards of glass.

The incident occurred at 4pm on Albany Street and police are seeking any witnesses to come forward.

A spokesman for St John says the paramedic driving the rapid response unit was "very shaken but unharmed".

St John will be working closely with police to find the offender and hope to press charges.

"St John is appalled by this action and find it difficult to believe someone would even consider doing something like this," St John General Manager South Island David Thomas said.

"Their actions have damaged a vehicle used to help save lives."

The vehicle needs repair and St John will be seeking full restitution of costs incurred.

"This is yet another example of the harm alcohol causes and the poor decision making of those under the influence," Police Inspector Mel Aitken said.

"Despite the best efforts of organising staff to create an enjoyable occasion for students, the level of alcohol related harm and the risk to public safety still remains too high."

This year's Hyde Street party saw 12 people arrested for a range of offences, including assault on security staff, fighting, disorder and offensive behaviour.

Dunedin's annual Hyde St Keg Party is the last remaining bastion of organised street chaos in the student city.

Almost 4000 people bought tickets to the event, which has been regulated by the Otago University Students Association (OUSA) for the past two years.

The 220-metre street's 30 flats took on themes such as "Gypsy Hoes and Genie Bros", "Bright and Tight Yoga Night", and "Hoedown on Hyde" in honour of the occasion.

On Facebook, many flats' events were listed to start at 4am.

The street party, which has near-legendary status among Dunedin's student community, is one of few remaining traditional events Otago students can still attend.

In 2013, University vice-chancellor Harlene Hayne introduced the prospect of a liquor ban if the event continued in the manner of previous years.

Since then, OUSA has sold tickets to University students enrolled in second year and above to curb numbers as a safety measure.

OUSA Communications Manager Tess Trotter said the tickets, which went on sale on Tuesday, sold out "within minutes".

OUSA President Paul Hunt said proceeds would go towards paying for the 4000 sausages, 2000 hot cross buns and 15 Port-A-Loos OUSA would supply for the event.

Josie Cochrane, editor at Otago University's student magazine Critic, said she was looking forward to the event.

Cochrane said she would be dressed as a goldfish in honour of Critic fish Gandalf Gold Bastard which died last week.

"The goldfish will be for the flat with the zoo theme," she said.

"We know that's pushing the boundaries but we love a bit of that."

Dunedin Constable John Woodhouse said 30 extra police officers would be keeping a "low profile" in the area on Saturday, making sure students were safe.

Woodhouse also said he was looking forward to the event.

"These ones are so well-organised, we're not expecting trouble at all," he said.

On Friday, Woodhouse was assisting Hyde St residents to clear broken glass, rubbish and couches from the street in preparation for the party.

Residents had been "very co-operative", he said.

"They want to make sure it's a success as much as anyone."

Tickets cost $10 for students as $2 for Hyde St residents, who were contacted by OUSA in early February to begin organising Saturday's event.

Students collected their compulsory wristbands on Thursday and Friday, Trotter said.