School cancels sports day after violent brawls

File photo / Northern Advocate

A Northland high school cancelled its sports day last week after a series of violent brawls involving up to 70 students.

Dargaville High School principal David Bargh said he was forced to cancel Thursday's sports programme to ensure the safety of students and staff, the Northern Advocate reported.

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Police were called to the school every day last week as large brawls got out of hand.

Mr Bargh said many "good kids had their day ruined" and the school had been unable to decide its sporting champions.

The school was planning an investigation into the fights and a number of stand-downs and suspensions were likely, he said.

Dargaville detective Andrew Bailey said he did not think the fights were gang-related, but they would be treated seriously.

- NZPA