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A Western Bay of Plenty teacher repeatedly stabbed by a year nine student today is recovering at home.
The 53-year-old maths teacher, named by One News as Steve Hose, was treated for four stab wounds to the neck and shoulder and was released from Tauranga Hospital late this afternoon.
The boy police believe stabbed his teacher in the neck will be placed in the care care of Child, Youth and Family, police say.
The teacher was attacked in front of up to 23 students at Te Puke High School this morning.
An ambulance officer said the victim was stabbed multiple times with a 10cm kitchen knife.
Police would not confirm the victim's identity, while the school was unavailable for comment.
One student, who witnessed the attack, recounted what happened to Radio NZ.
"The teacher was just sitting there helping the students and then the bell rang, he just came over and stabbed him in the back four times," the student said.
Another Te Puke High School pupil, named Harley, told the Herald the teacher was well-liked and respected.
"We're in shock, bro," Harley said.
"Hard out. Our school is a good school and we don't deserve this."
At a press conference this afternoon, police said the teacher did not lose consciousness and was able to give instructions to the students.
He was said to be a well-liked teacher.
Police conducted a scene examination of the classroom this afternoon and recovered the weapon.
It was not yet clear what prompted the stabbing.
Police said the boy fled after the attack.
A St John ambulance officer, who did not wish to be identified, said the 53-year-old teacher suffered one wound to the back of his neck and two wounds to his back, news website Sunlive reported.
Te Puke High School Principal Alan Liddle told media, at a press conference at the school just before midday, that the teacher had worked at the school for eight years.
Mr Clement said the students and teachers are being offered support and counselling following the incident.
"The students have been spoken to by police as witnesses, as have several teachers who came to the aid of the victim," Mr Clement said.
