School reopens after fire, boys referred to Youth Aid

Raetihi Primary School in the central North Island reopened this morning after several buildings were gutted in an arson attack on Saturday night.

Two boys, an 11-year-old from Hamilton and a 12-year-old local, were yesterday referred to police Youth Aid.

School Board of Trustees chairwoman Fiona Fraser said two classrooms and the library were destroyed with irreplaceable teaching resources lost.

The school, with a roll of 125, was closed yesterday as the damaged buildings were fenced to ensure the area was safe for children.

This morning school began with a community assembly and blessing by kaumatua.

- NZPA