Please attribute to Inspector Tony Wakelin, Counties Manukau Police:
Police are continuing to make enquiries into ongoing issues which have been occurring at Rosehill College in Papakura.
Police have now established that a large fight took place on Wednesday the 22nd of August, 2018. Police were not called to this incident, however we have now received a complaint from a student in relation to this.
We are aware of the footage posted online which relates to the Wednesday incident and this is being reviewed by our investigation staff.
There was also another incident yesterday around midday, however as per our original statement Police were called to the school twice later in the day but there was no fighting occurring when we arrived.
There has been speculation around gang members entering the school grounds. Police have confirmed that one of the parents allegedly involved in yesterday’s incident has been identified and is affiliated to a gang. He has been trespassed by the school and spoken to by Police.
This has of course been intimidating and students and parents are rightly concerned. Police have met with the school principal this morning and we are working closely with the school to address these issues.
Inspector Tony Wakelin, Area Prevention Manager for Counties Manukau South says it is concerning that some previous incidents have not been reported to us and we are actively encouraging anyone with concerns to contact Police.
“This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable. Parents have an expectation that their children will go to school and be safe. We are ensuring that we have a strong presence at the school as a precaution as we want our community to feel safe. I am confident after talking to the principal this morning that the school and Police will be working together to ensure the safety of our children, which remains our priority.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Papakura Police on 09 261 1300 or alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You can also send us a private message to the Counties Manukau Police Facebook page.
ENDS
Shelley Nahr/NZ Police