Hamilton’s Melville Primary School boarded up after vandalism attack causes $25k damage

Melville Primary School in Hamitlon was vandalised over the weekend, with the incident causing about $25,000 of damage. Photo / Melville Primary School

A Waikato primary school has been boarded up after a weekend attack caused about $25,000 of damage.

Melville Primary School said 30 windows were smashed with hammers, leaving a trail of broken glass.

The Hamilton school shared details of the “deeply sad” incident on Facebook on December 22.

Windows around the school grounds were smashed by hammers, leaving a trail of broken glass in classrooms. Photo / Melville Primary School

“Our school is currently boarded up, with glass still covering areas inside and outside the school – a heartbreaking sight for a place built on care and belonging.”

The school said it is working with police to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“We want to reassure our community that we know who the youth were and are working closely with police to ensure this does not happen again.”

A police spokesperson confirmed officers have spoken to a young person since receiving a call about the damage on Saturday.

Boards are in place after the school was vandalised. Photo / Melville Primary School

The post expressed the school’s gratitude to the wider community after the incident.

“We are incredibly grateful to our whānau who live nearby and acted quickly by calling police and notifying us – your manaaki meant everything in that moment.”

The school also thanked Auckland business A+ Glass, which travelled to Hamilton and worked late into the night to secure the grounds.

“We were truly so blessed by your generosity, responsiveness and care for our kura.”

The school is working with police to try to prevent any repeat incidents. Photo / Melville Primary School

“Melville Primary is more than buildings and glass – it is our people, our tamariki and our community. Together, we stand strong, like the kahikatea.”