A paramedic has been covered in glass fragments after a drunk man shoulder-barged an ambulance windscreen in Dunedin at the annual Hyde Street party.
They said the ambulance was one of three vehicles damaged by the man, who they are still looking for.
Inspector Mel Aitken said a dozen people have been arrested at the student-organised street party: for assaulting security staff, fighting, disorder and offensive behaviour.
Ms Aitken said the level of alcohol-related harm and the risk to public safety was still too high at the event, despite the best efforts of the people organising it.
She said police were still hopeful they can work with organisers to re-design the event.