Families step in to help clean up vandalism at school

Families of youths involved in vandalising a Northland school have stepped in to help with the clean up.

Senior Sergeant Brian Swann, of Northland police, said serious vandalism at Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Kaikohe school was reported to police yesterday.

Police went to the school and found three classrooms which had been significantly vandalised.

Mr Swann said members of the community were disgusted at the level of destruction and a number of images were posted on local Facebook pages by the public.

He said several family members of the youths, contacted authorities and were helping police with their investigation and families of the youth involved arrived at the school and offered to help with cleaning up the significant damage.

"It's pleasing to police that families of these young offenders are holding them to account and making them take responsibilities for their actions.

These senseless and destructive acts are devastating to small communities and we praise the families who are trying to do the right thing," Mr Swann said.

Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Kaikohe tumuaki Marea Timoko said the community response was appreciated.

"We'd like to thank our community for their tautoko [support] and their offers to support us with cleaning up the mess."

The principal said the school's focus was now on getting the classrooms ready in time for the start of the next school term.

Police believe five juveniles were involved, all under the age of 14.

The youths will be referred to Youth Aid.