The drama is bubbling over between two of Dunedin’s biggest players in student nightlife in a TikTok-based standoff. Suburbia (lovingly known to the fresher population as ‘Subs’) took to TikTok with a not-so-subtle jab at rival Catacombs (‘Cats’).
Feathers were ruffled when Subs posted a video of their own packed queue on the 20th of April, appearing to compare it to the Cats queue (or lack thereof). The on-screen text read: “10:50pm Saturday… Stay mad and we’ll stay petty [SPARKLE EMOJI].” At the time of writing, the video has racked up more than 50,000 views, with commenters egging it on: “EAAAAT!” and “Not the Subs, Cats beef [LAUGHING EMOJI] never change Dunedin.”
Naturally, Critic Te Ārohi did what any investigative body of great journalistic integrity would do: we slid into a few inboxes and took a purely professional deep dive into both clubs’ social media pages. After much back-and-forth, a handful of statements (and subsequent retractions), and more doom-scrolling than we’d like to admit, some context began to emerge.
Critic understands that a few days prior to Subs’ post, Cats had reposted (and has since quietly un-reposted) a video showing the Subs courtyard looking… less than heaving. The clip was paired with squeaky basketball court sound effects and the text, “Go to Dunedin town they said?” — which some student viewers, such as second-year student Anna, interpreted as a “jab against the general state of town itself [...] and at Subs.” Whether this was the original shot fired or just one instalment in a long-standing, low-key rivalry is unclear, but either way, both clubs seem to know exactly how to stir a comment section. Students in particular are never one to not care for drama, so the online audience grew.
Cats retracted their original statement when they saw Subs’ statement to Critic, which then caused Subs to retract their statement. Eventually, both clubs did give a final response to the drama, with Cats being quick to downplay any suggestion of genuine hostility. “We’re not interested in any ‘beef’ — we’re focused on doing our thing, pushing new concepts, levelling up production, backing our team, and letting the nights speak for themselves,” they said, adding that their priority is “late nights, full floors, and giving people a reason to stay out.” Suburbia, on the other hand, after a spirited exchange with Critic Te Ārohi, suggested we were the ones dragging this on, calling the beef old news and ending with, “SUBS RUNS THIS.”
Meanwhile, students are largely unbothered and, if anything, entertained. Anna called it “excellent marketing,” adding that both clubs have been popping up on her TikTok far more since the drama kicked off. Fourth-year Kyna was even more pragmatic: “Do $6 pints and I’ll come to any club you want.” Her friend Neve summed it up best: “Cats and Subs are both great clubs in different ways — they’ve got different vibes.”
As for who started it, the jury’s still out. But if nothing else, the “beef” has done exactly what both clubs want: get people talking, get people watching, and, most importantly, get people lining up.
