Teacher allegedly stabbed before lockdown at Tuakau College

A teacher has been seriously injured following an incident that triggered a lockdown at Tuakau College in Waikato on Thursday morning.

According to a report by Nadine Roberts of Stuff, emergency services were called to the school shortly before 10 am after reports of an incident on site. Hato Hone St John confirmed one person was treated at the scene before being transported to the hospital in a serious condition.

Police said a “young person” was taken into custody soon after the incident. A relative of the injured teacher alleged the 56-year-old man had been stabbed in the back and arm with a large knife and was later taken to Middlemore Hospital, where he required stitches, as reported by Stuff.

The relative also claimed the weapon used was a fishing knife. However, authorities have not confirmed those details, with police stating the investigation is ongoing.

“Police are still making inquiries into exactly what has taken place, however, at this stage we can advise the incident involves a student and a teacher,” a spokesperson said. “We can reassure the wider community that the matter is contained and there is no wider risk to students or the wider public,” as quoted by Stuff.

Shortly after the incident, the school issued a notice asking parents not to contact or come to the campus.

“This may cause disruption to the management of this incident and could potentially place yourselves and/or our staff and student’s safety at risk,” the notice said, Stuff has quoted.

By 11.30 am, the lockdown had been lifted, with the school confirming all students and staff were accounted for. Despite this, the Board of Trustees decided to close the school early at 1 pm and asked parents and caregivers to collect their children.

“We appreciate that this is an unprecedented situation,” the Board’s statement said.

According to Stuff, the Ministry of Education confirmed it is supporting the school following the incident. Director of education Deidre Alderson said officials remain available to assist further if needed.

“School leadership acted promptly and appropriately to manage the situation, prioritising the safety and well-being of students and staff,” Alderson said, as quoted by Stuff.

The incident occurred just hours after the school community gathered to farewell long-time principal Chris Betty at a formal event on Wednesday evening, Stuff has reported.

Tuakau College has not commented publicly on the incident.