A Whangārei mother is raising concerns about bullying after her son was allegedly attacked by a group of students from his school.
Principals say they take bullying seriously and work to ensure student safety.
A Year 11 Whangārei Boys’ High School student was left with a black eye after the ordeal on May 11.
The 15-year-old was on the path outside the bus bay between Boys’ High and Whangārei Girls’ High School as school finished.
According to the student, he was standing up for his friend.
The student alleged he stepped in when another student pushed and threatened his friend.
He claimed he was pushed backwards after standing between he and his friend.
He said the student moved toward his friend, prompting him to step in and hold the student back.
At that moment, a group of students ran over to him.
Cellphone footage of the attack appears to show the group kicking, punching and kneeing him.
At least two adults can be seen rushing in to break up the fight.
The student’s mother said her son was left with neck pain, a black eye and scratches.
“We’re really lucky it wasn’t worse.”
She was speaking out because “we don’t want to wait until it’s worse”.
She said after her son came home injured, she contacted the school, met with staff, and sent video footage of the incident.
However, she was frustrated by what she called a lack of clear communication, and answers about safety and disciplinary action.
She claimed the information she had received about the attack came through rumours rather than the school.
She spoke out in a Facebook post that drew responses from parents sharing similar concerns.
Comments pointed to alleged bullying at both Whangārei Boys’ High School and Whangārei Girls’ High School.
The mother wanted to know what Boys’ High School was doing to address what she believed was a “toxic bullying culture”.
Principal Alec Solomon said the school was deeply concerned about the assault.
He said a student had been suspended and two others stood down while the school investigated.
“The school has treated the matter extremely seriously.”
Solomon said physical violence was never acceptable.
“The behaviour displayed by the boys involved was abhorrent and in no way reflects the standards, values or expectations of our kura.”
He said school staff were on duty in the bus bay on the afternoon of the attack. Two deputy principals had responded “within minutes”.
Solomon said he understood people were concerned but the school needed to follow formal processes.
He responded to the claim there was a wider culture issue by saying the school ensures its standards and values are upheld.
He said families, schools, communities and society must work together to raise and support young people.
Whangārei Girls’ High School principal Sonya Lockyer said none of her students were involved. The school supplied CCTV to police, who were investigating.
She had seen a Facebook post and comments related to bullying at Girls’ High, which she said were disappointing to read.
Lockyer said in a newsletter to parents on Monday that the school fully investigates all concerns and takes steps to ensure safety.
Hira Gage, Ministry of Education director of education for Tai Tokerau, said every child deserved to feel safe, understood and supported at school.
“We expect schools to take any concerns about bullying or violence seriously, act promptly, and communicate appropriately with parents and caregivers.”
Gage said schools were self-governing and expected to respond in line with their policies, but involve external agencies where needed.
Whangārei area prevention manager Senior Sergeant Dave Wilkinson confirmed police had responded to reports of youth fighting that day.
He said they had gone by the time police arrived.
Wilkinson was aware of social media posts after the incident and advised people to stop sharing material online.
He asked anyone with information to contact police on 105, using the reference number 260512/2514.
Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.