One student can be seen getting punched and kicked on the ground.
“There were about 40-plus students on the train who got off at Sturges Rd. I was hiding in my car while [I] called the police as this was happening up and down the carpark,” the witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said.
The witness said the majority of the students were from Kelston Boys’ High School (KBHS), while one – who appeared to be ganged up on – was wearing what “looked like a Waitakere College shirt”.
They said the video was sent around their daughter’s group chat.
“They were all in KBHS uniform. It was clear on the video and I saw the emblem and name. I did not see a clear view of the student on the ground but it looked like a Waitakere College shirt.
“I am familiar with these uniforms as they are always on the trains I use.
“There were a group of males [not in uniform] also coming from Swanson Rd entrance who were almost blocking that exit so no one could get past and out from there, and egging on the KBHS students.”
Kelston Boys’ High School acting principal Steve Cole told the Herald the school is aware of the incident and “is taking the matter seriously”.
“We are currently working with other schools involved and relevant agencies to establish the facts. For privacy reasons, we are unable to comment on individual students or provide further details at this time.”
The Herald has contacted Waitakere College and police for comment.
The witness said they were “terrified” and “disgusted” by the incident.
“I was terrified; there were so many people. I couldn’t see weapons but I just wanted to get out of there, but they were blocking the cars.
“There was another young girl maybe in her 20s who was also looking scared and was blocked.”
They said the schools and students need to be held accountable.
“What should have been a normal afternoon commute turned into an ugly scene where a large group appeared to gang up on a single person who was heavily outnumbered.
“Regardless of what led up to the incident, there is no excuse for mob behaviour, intimidation or violence.”
Auckland Transport (AT) said it is aware of the incident and is assisting police.
Hayden Rawcliffe, AT rail service operations and performance manager, told the Herald: “Our train service operator Auckland One Rail (AOR) is sharing CCTV footage from the station with police and the appropriate schools to ensure this is managed from their sides”.
“AOR is also sending roving security patrols to the area this afternoon to help reassure our passengers and provide a more visible presence.”
AT said concerned members of the public should contact police.
