One of New Zealand's oldest and most prestigious private schools has asked parents to give it until next term to work out "recent difficulties' between its principal and teachers.
The plea followed revelations that the majority of the teachers at St Andrew's College in Christchurch pledged a vote ofno confidence in rector Nigel Fairbairn and threatened to boycott classes just days before the school year began.
They said they did not support his management style, which some consider "dictatorial", and did not want to work with him.
The revolt was quickly backed by some parents who did not think the school's board of trustees was acting fast enough on the matter.
The Press newspaper has reported up to 100 parents told the board they would withhold some school fees unless Mr Fairbairn was removed.
The newspaper also said Mr Fairbairn was seeking a financial settlement in return for his resignation.
Last week the board of trustees met representatives of the Independent School Teachers' Association to discuss the problem.
This week board chairman Hugh Matthews said the school would appoint "an outside person to assist with the managing and improving of interpersonal relationships within the college".
In a letter to parents the board has asked parents for "time and space" to find a solution while declining to respond "in an ad hoc manner".
It also told parents "whilst the board acknowledges that we have a responsibility to you as parents to keep you fully informed, there are times when the board must act with discretion in the interests of the college. This is important to ensure a fair and reasonable outcome."
Neither Mr Matthews or the school's development officer, former cricketer Lee Germon, would return the Herald's calls.
St Andrew's was founded 87 years ago and until 1992 taught only boys. It is prestigious and educationally successful, with tuition fees of up to $10,590 a year.
Almost 10 years ago allegations were made about widescale bullying within the school.
The school denied the allegations until the Commissioner for Children at the time, Laurie O'Reilly, investigated. He found it had a serious problem, which was solved only after then-rector Barry Maister took up residence in the school hostel.
