Police probe threatening email sent to numerous schools across New Zealand

Police are making inquiries after several schools across New Zealand received a threatening email this morning.

While police did not disclose how many schools were affected, they said the email was sent right across the country.

“We know emails of this nature can cause significant fear and concern; however, it is important to note that so far we have not established any actual threat to any [specific] school,” police said.

The Ministry of Education confirmed it was aware “multiple schools across the country have received threatening email”.

Ministry leader of operations and integration Sean Teddy said police were following up with the schools affected.

“Schools and kura should avoid opening suspicious emails and report any concerning activity to police. Schools should also follow their established emergency management procedures as appropriate,” Teddy said.

“Our regional offices have been contacting schools that received the email to offer support.”

The Herald is aware of more than five primary schools in Auckland, two in Wellington, one in Rotorua and one in Queenstown that received the email.

A policeman enters Queenstown Primary School after the worrying email was sent to schools across New Zealand.

Police could be seen entering Queenstown Primary School this morning.

The school told the Herald it received a “bomb threat” via an email sent to a long list of schools this morning.

“They spammed a number of schools,” deputy principal Matt Leach said.

He said the school followed procedure and contacted the police.

When a threat is sent to multiple schools across the country, he said, it is up to that individual school to determine if they enter a lockdown.