School stabbing stuns rural town

By DANIEL JACKSON

The stabbing of a 17-year-old former student in the grounds of Dargaville High School has shocked the quiet rural Northland community.

Dylan Rawlings and a 16-year-old student, whose name is suppressed, were involved in a fight in the school's car park at lunchtime on Tuesday.

Dylan received stab wounds to his back and abdomen, as well as cuts to his arm. He was later flown to Whangarei Hospital where he spent the night in intensive care.

The 16-year-old has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon and common assault.

Dargaville High School principal David Macleod said the stabbing was out of character for the relatively affluent and successful school. "I can't believe it happened. Things like that just don't happen here."

Two duty staff went to where the stabbing happened as soon as they knew of it, and brought the two boys back to the office before calling an ambulance and police, he said.

The 16-year-old had been suspended from school and his future would be decided by the school board, Mr Macleod said.

Security at the school, which has about 600 students and 38 teachers, would be reviewed.

An extra two counsellors have been called in to assist the school's own counsellor with upset students.

Dylan was listed yesterday as being in a stable condition at the Whangarei Hospital, after earlier being moved to a ward from the intensive care unit.

Dargaville police Sergeant Clifford Paxton said the 16-year-old was yesterday bailed by the Dargaville Youth Court to the custody of a parent.

It was unlikely he would face any further charges, but Sergeant Paxton would not comment on whether Dylan Rawlings would face charges.

There was concern among the small farming community at the level of violence involved in the incident. "I would class it as a reasonably safe community. It is really out of character," Sergeant Paxton said.

Students spoken to by the Herald said rumours were circulating about the fight. One claimed it was over a girl.