Cleaner found dead at Kuranui College

Police search and rescue found in the grounds of Kuranui College the body of Stephen Goggin, 59, a former police officer and one of several fulltime cleaners at the school. FILE PHOTO

A Kuranui College cleaner was found dead in the college grounds on Saturday.

Stephen Goggin, 59, one of several fulltime cleaners, was a former police officer who started work at the college in 2011.

Authorities said no suspicious circumstances were involved in the death.

Principal Geoff Shepherd said police and search and rescue had been working to locate Mr Goggin on the day.

With the school off for holidays, Mr Shepherd said staff had been contacted and advised.

"We are in the process of writing a letter to all parents, to inform them. We're working very closely with Ministry of Education support people, who will be with us on the first week of term, to support our students and staff."

He said the school's priority was to support Mr Goggin's family and the students and staff.

The school had been blessed by a kaumatua from Papawai Marae and a vicar, said Mr Shepherd.

"We felt that was important to do that quite quickly."