Two youths charged after fire damages Taupo-nui-a-Tia College, school to close for days

Two youths have been charged with arson after a large blaze significantly damaged a Taupō high school yesterday afternoon.

Police this morning said the two youths were due to appear in the Taupō Youth Court this week.

Detective Sergeant Allan Humphries said the blaze destroyed a block of classrooms “along with everything inside”.

“We acknowledge this will be devastating for college teachers, students and families.”

Investigators quickly identified the alleged offenders, Humphries said.

Crews working to extinguish the remains of Taupō-nui-a-Tia College. Photo / Les Wills / Taupo Noticeboard

Taupo-nui-a-Tia College principal Ben Claxton said the campus suffered significant damage.

“At this stage, the school will be closed for the next two days while a full assessment is completed and the site is made safe,” principal Ben Claxton said.

“The wellbeing of our students and staff is our absolute priority. Our focus is on ensuring everyone is supported and on minimising disruption to our school community.”

Emergency services were first called to the scene around 2.15pm yesterday.

Fire and Emergency crews from across the region worked to contain the blaze, which was producing a “significant amount of smoke”.

Smoke pouring out of Taupo-nui-a-Tia College during yesterday's blaze.

A student at the school told the Herald she came within 100m of the fire and was sweating because of the heat.

“There was glass and we could hear glass and explosions from inside.”

Police closed surrounding roads for approximately four hours while Fire and Emergency New Zealand worked to contain the blaze, said Humphries.

Damage to the school following yesterday's fire. Photo / Les Wills / Taupo Noticeboard

Claxton said the school was working with the Ministry of Education and emergency services as it assessed the damage and planned next steps.

“We understand this will be unsettling for families, and we are grateful for the understanding, support and care being shown across our community.

“We will continue to keep students, staff and families informed as more information becomes available.”

Ministry of Education central deputy secretary Jocelyn Mikaere said the government department was assisting following the fire, which caused “significant damage”.

“We are working closely with the school to minimise disruption and to plan next steps.

“We will remain alongside the school for as long as needed.”

Video sent to the Herald yesterday showed firefighters climbing on to the roof of a burning school building, with crew members below passing them a hose.

They could be seen standing on the roof while enormous flames shot up from the building 10m away.

A witness told the Herald they could hear explosions from her house as the blaze ripped through the building.