Active shooter at Whangārei Girls’ High School, Northland, confirmed as rumour

Police attended Whangārei Girls' High School in Regent after rumours of a shooter this morning.

Police have identified the people responsible for starting a rumour that an active shooter had plans to target Whangārei Girls’ High School.

News of an active shooter spread like wildfire this morning after a heavy police presence was spotted on the roads surrounding the school based in Regent. Many concerned parents arrived at the school to take students home.

One parent reported seeing two marked police cars and a further two undercover cars, each with two officers inside.

They said the police presence didn’t appear routine and instead officers looked as if they were waiting for someone.

Whangārei Area Commander Inspector Maria Nordstrom said investigating police found there was no shooter nor risk to the school or wider community.

The rumour about a shooter was passed onto Whangārei Girls’ High School principal Sonya Lockyer last night by a parent who had been told about it by their daughter.

Lockyer said the school contacted police and the Ministry of Education’s trauma team for advice on what action to take.

Police investigated overnight and found no trace of a planned shooting but stationed themselves around school grounds today to ensure everyone’s safety.

Officers had identified the people behind the rumour and were working with them and their families, Lockyer said.

The day’s events had demonstrated how powerful social media can be as incorrect messages hastily spread, she said.

Police were encouraging people to be mindful of the information shared as it may be wrong.

Nordstrom said misinformation can cause unnecessary alarm to others going about their daily business. Although, she acknowledged police appreciated people’s concerns.