Police investigate alleged assaults on students at Auckland's Lynfield College

Police are investigating reports of two separate assaults involving students at Lynfield College in Auckland, with distressed parents questioning whether their children can safely return to the classroom.

The alleged incidents took place on 20 and 21 October, involving students at the school. Police said they were notified of an assault last month, about a week after it allegedly occurred. A police spokesperson said the matter was being assessed and officers would pursue all identified lines of inquiry.

The incidents have left two families deeply concerned about their children's safety and wellbeing. According to the New Zealand Herald, the mother of a Year 10 student alleged that her daughter was attacked by a group of up to 10 girls during lunchtime on 21 October. The girl was reportedly punched repeatedly and struck with phone pouches, sustaining a head injury that required stitches.

"We are very scared to send our kids to school," the mother told the newspaper, describing the emotional toll on her daughter and family. "My daughter and my family are suffering right now." In a separate incident on 20 October, another student was allegedly assaulted. His mother told the Herald that her son had not returned to school since the incident.

She said the experience had affected his education and wellbeing, adding that she was unwilling to send him back without clear assurances that his safety would be protected. "As a mother, I cannot understand how children can continue to face alleged violence and intimidation while families wait for action," she said.

She acknowledged the need for a proper investigation but said the family's concerns about safety remained unresolved. Lynfield College principal Cath Knell confirmed that the school was addressing two incidents of concern that occurred on its premises about two weeks ago.

She said the incidents followed another episode at a community event unrelated to the school, as well as concerns raised on social media. Knell said the school had spent considerable time establishing the circumstances surrounding the incidents and had begun formal processes involving a small number of students and their families.

"We take anything related to the safety and wellbeing of our students very seriously," she said. The school is working closely with police, while pastoral support is being provided to affected students and families. Knell said the school understood parents' desire for more information but stressed that the privacy of the young people involved had to be protected while the appropriate processes continued.

The Ministry of Education confirmed it was aware of the situation, saying schools were responsible for addressing disciplinary matters and ensuring student safety. Jason Swann, the ministry's director of education for Auckland Central and East, said school leaders were expected to follow established policies and procedures. He added that the ministry was available to provide support if required.

With police inquiries and the school's internal processes continuing, concerns remain over the impact of the alleged assaults on the affected students and their families.