Threatening emails sent to 10 Auckland schools, police investigating

Police are investigating after threatening emails were sent to 10 Auckland schools this afternoon.

Police said these threats were taken seriously, and inquiries would be made into their source.

“At this stage, police do not believe there is a safety risk, however, police have visited each school to provide reassurance and address any issues they wanted to raise.”

The Herald understands some of the affected schools are in the suburbs of Forrest Hill, Green Bay, Onehunga and Otahuhu.

Ministry of Education Te Tai Raro hautū (leader) Isabel Evans said, “The ministry is aware of 10 Auckland secondary schools who have received an email threat. Police are following up.

“We contacted the impacted schools to offer our support if needed.”

In a message to parents, Green Bay High School principal Fiona Barker said, “This morning we received information about a potential threat to the school and immediately followed our emergency procedures.

“All students and staff are safely accounted for.

“We want to assure you that the safety of our students and staff is a priority and that we take these matters seriously.

“We have been advised by the police that it is safe to return to classes and we are currently in the process of doing this now,” Barker said.

In November last year, more than 70 organisations across New Zealand, including schools, hospitals, courthouses and places of worship, were targeted by concerning emails.

Several dozen schools were targeted, including two kindergartens. The majority were on Auckland’s North Shore.

Helensville Primary School, Gulf Harbour School, Murrays Bay Intermediate School, Orewa College and Silverdale School were among the schools targeted.

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