Police make arrests after Whangārei school staff member allegedly robbed

The language assistant was reportedly confronted on this walkway in Onerahi. Photo / Brodie Stone

Police have arrested two teens in the case of a Whangārei school staff member reportedly robbed in broad daylight.

The Onerahi School Mandarin language assistant was confronted by two males near an alleyway on Ross St about 3pm on Monday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer said the woman’s bag was taken after a weapon was allegedly presented at her.

Pilmer had earlier said the weapon was not a firearm.

“Enquiries have been underway to locate the two young males allegedly involved in this crime.”

The pair were found by police yesterday. Pilmer said a 14-year-old male appeared in the Whangārei Youth Court today and a 16-year-old was referred to Youth Aid.

Shortly after the incident, Onerahi School posted on its Facebook page saying the language assistant’s bag contained her laptop, wallet and personal items.

The laptop had the woman’s important university study, the school said.

Pilmer revealed police had carried out a search at an address and had found the laptop.

“This is a great result in both holding these two males to account, and recovering the laptop as I know it contained irreplaceable university material,” he said.

“Police and the community will not tolerate violence or other intimidation.”