Otago University proctor Dave Scott admits 'error', denies seizing bongs from other flats

University of Otago proctor Dave Scott has apologised for confiscating a bong from a student flat, but denies entering any others to take theirs. 

At least three Dunedin flats have come forward alleging Dave Scott entered their homes without permission and confiscated bongs.

However Mr Scott says "as far as [he] can recall", those allegations are untrue.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Mr Scott outright apologised for his actions entering one flat and removing the tenants bongs. 

The only tenant home at the time in the Leith St North flat was upstairs asleep. Mr Scott was distributing pamphlets around the neighbourhood warning of the dangers of initiation ceremonies.

"I know what I've done is wrong - does it make it a crime? I don't think so," he says. "It could have been dealt with differently, but this is what it is."

It's not illegal to own a water pipe, also known as a bong, but it is illegal to smoke marijuana. Mr Scott thought the occupants would rather deal with him than the police.

Mr Scott admitted he could have gone to the flat when the students were home.

"In hindsight I made an error here... it won't be repeated."

Students are demanding Mr Scott's immediate resignation, signing an online petition. Mr Scott says he is aware of the petition, but doesn't agree with the sentiment. 

"I've done a lot of good in two and a half years - I've made one error of judgement here, but I'm here before you taking responsibility for that," he said.

"If they're calling for my head, that's their prerogative."

Tens of thousands of dollars has also been pledged to pay for private prosecution against the proctor.

Whakamana Cannabis Museum curator Abe Gray says a private pledger known to him donated $25,000 to start legal action. 

Protests are expected to go ahead on university campus on Friday. Mr Gray believes it could be the largest protest held on University campus in a decade. 

Vice Chancellor Harlene Hayne says the proctor has no powers to enter private premises but has the full support of the University.

"The University is clear that Mr Scott had the pastoral interest of the flatmates in mind in taking the actions that he did, but that he would not follow a similar course again. It continues to have full confidence in Mr Scott," she says.

Mr Scott previously hit media headlines when it was revealed he had ordered campus workers to remove hundreds of copies of a student magazine that depicted a woman menstruating on the cover.

Newshub.