The University of Canterbury's (UC) popular student bar, The Foundry, has taken a significant step towards enhancing safety by introducing a ticketing system for its popular Thursday night DJ gigs. This change comes in the wake of a harrowing crowd crush incident last October that left students terrified and one person injured, highlighting the risks associated with high-demand campus events.

Managed by the University of Canterbury Students' Association (UCSA), The Foundry serves as a vibrant hub for UC's approximately 26,000 students, offering affordable food like smashed beef burgers, loaded fries, and platters alongside lively entertainment. With UC's student numbers continuing to grow—reaching over 26,000 in recent years—the bar's role in fostering community cannot be understated, but ensuring safe capacity management is paramount.

This development underscores a broader push in New Zealand's higher education sector to balance vibrant student life with robust safety protocols amid rising concerns over alcohol-related harms and overcrowding at university events.

The Incident: A Night of Chaos Outside The Foundry

On a Thursday night in October 2025, what was meant to be an exciting pre-party ahead of UC's end-of-year celebrations turned into pandemonium. As hundreds gathered outside The Foundry on UC's Ilam campus in Christchurch, a surge of around 150 students rushed the entrance, pinning others against the glass doors. One student recounted the terror: "I couldn't breathe," describing how she was paralyzed with fear as the crowd pressed in.

Police were called to disperse the large crowd, with ambulances attending to at least one injury. Videos captured the chaotic scene, showing students pushing and shoving to enter the already packed venue. UCSA President at the time condemned the behavior, stating it was unacceptable and emphasizing the need for better crowd control.

Introducing the New Ticketing System: How It Works

In response to the incident, UCSA has rolled out a ticketing system specifically for Thursday DJ nights at The Foundry, starting early 2026. Tickets are available through platforms like Ticket Fairy, with prices typically low—often just a few dollars—to keep events accessible while capping attendance at safe levels.

• Step 1: Check upcoming events on Ticket Fairy or UCSA's event pages.
• Step 2: Purchase tickets online in advance; entry without a ticket is not guaranteed once capacity is reached.
• Step 3: Scan tickets at the door via smartphone for quick entry.
• Step 4: Enjoy the night knowing capacity is managed, with doors typically opening at 8pm.

This system mirrors practices at other venues and ensures compliance with New Zealand's strict liquor licensing laws, which mandate maximum occupancy to prevent overcrowding.

Student Reactions: Mixed but Largely Supportive

While some students lament the end of spontaneous entry, many applaud the change. "It's about time—last time was scary," one shared on social media. UCSA reports positive feedback, noting that ticketing reduces queues and enhances enjoyment. Early adopters of the 2026 DJ nights have praised smoother access.

Challenges include sell-outs for popular DJs, prompting UCSA to encourage early booking and explore dynamic pricing for peak events.

The Foundry's Role in UC Student Life

Located at 90 Ilam Road, The Foundry is more than a bar—it's a social epicenter offering nachos, Korean fried chicken, and platters for groups, open late weekdays. It hosts trivia, live bands, Pride Nights, and Beer Gardens, all R18 where applicable. For UC's diverse student body—from local Kiwis to internationals from over 100 countries—it's a safe space amid Christchurch's vibrant scene.

Photo by Omkar Kulkarni on Unsplash

Broadening the Lens: Overcrowding Risks in NZ Universities

New Zealand universities grapple with student nightlife safety. Studies show 33% of uni students experience alcohol blackouts, higher than non-students, with binge drinking prevalent. Emergency department alcohol presentations hit 11% in 2022, though youth rates dipped slightly.

UC's incident echoes Dunedin's woes, where Otago University's clampdown on bars fueled dangerous flat parties, including the tragic 2019 Sophia Crestani balcony collapse. Police advocate controlled pub environments over unregulated gatherings.

Comparisons Across NZ Campuses

Auckland uses Eventbrite, while Otago pushes for more student bars post-tragedies.

Regulatory Framework and Best Practices

NZ's Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 enforces venue capacities, host responsibility, and local alcohol policies restricting promotions. Universities like UC adhere via UCSA licensing, with policies mirroring national guidelines for low-risk drinking.

• Maximum occupancy strictly enforced.
• No excessive promotions to curb bingeing.
• Security and first aid on-site.
• Collaboration with police for large events.

For details, see UCSA's official site.

Benefits of Ticketing: Safety, Efficiency, and Equity

Ticketed entry offers multiple wins:

• Safety: Prevents surges by limiting numbers.
• Efficiency: Shorter queues, more time enjoying music.
• Equity: Reserved spots for committed attendees.
• Revenue: Funds better events and safety upgrades.

Drawbacks like accessibility for last-minute goers are mitigated by affordable pricing and resale options.

Challenges and Solutions in Implementation

Initial hurdles include digital access for all students and scalping risks, addressed via UCSA's Flicket scanning and resale guides. Ongoing monitoring ensures inclusivity for UC's international cohort.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Safer, Vibrant Campus Nightlife

UCSA plans to expand ticketing to high-demand events like ORI week parties, while investing in venue upgrades. With NZ unis facing youth unemployment and mental health pressures, safe social spaces like The Foundry are vital for wellbeing.

UC's proactive approach positions it as a leader, potentially inspiring peers. Students can stay updated via UCSA events.

For those eyeing careers in higher ed event management, UC exemplifies blending fun with responsibility.