Rotorua Boys' High School students have the weekend to make sure their hair conforms to school rules.
It's understood the students were told at an assembly on Wednesday that anyone with "outrageously" dyed hair had to re-dye it back to its natural colour by Monday.
While principal Chris
Grinter won't discuss the issue publicly, the Daily Post understands he is clamping down on any hairdos deemed "outrageous". The move follows a student being sent home two weeks ago for having a star bleached into the side of his head.
Rihimona Clarke was told by deputy principal Fred Whata not to return until either his hair had grown out or it had been re-dyed to its natural colour.
His mother Jodie Clarke has kept her son at home, saying she was never given a proper explanation for the suspension.
"When I finally saw the principal he said it was no longer a hair issue, it was a truancy one."
Rihimona was a good boy who had not missed any school until now. She has since decided to make him dye his hair back to its normal colour so he can return to school.
Rotorua secondary schools appear to have differing views on acceptable hairstyles for students.
Western Heights High School deputy principal Bruce Walker said the school's hair policy allowed students to express themselves.
"Our policy is the hair has to be clean and tidy. If it's long then it has to be tied back, for safety and hygiene reasons.
"We have no actual policy on dyed hair. Students will be students and you have to be understanding of this. We accept all types of hair as long as it is not offensive.
"The school would never accept something like a swastika."
John Paul College principal Patrick Walsh said his students' hair was required to be of a natural colour and style and tied back if collar length or longer.
"We have had students who have tried to breach the rules by saying they wanted to be different and to stand out.
"If you really want to be different or stand out, then excel in being a top sports athlete or doing well academically.
"It takes no effort to dye hair [but] there is effort in trying to excel in sports or education."
