Bay of Plenty Police are asking anyone with information that could assist their investigation into sexual allegations involving students of Ōpōtiki College to come forward.
Police say they are working closely and are continuing to provide support to affected students, their families and the school.
They say there is no indication that any of the alleged offending occurred at the school or that it involves any school staff.
Detective Inspector Mark Loper of Bay of Plenty Police says, “Police are in the initial phases of the investigation and are taking the matter seriously. Police are following all proper processes, including working closely with the young people concerned, their families, the school and other agencies to ensure the proper support and resources are in place."
A number of students and their families have provided police with information and are continuing to assist in the investigation.
“Our priority is the well-being of the young people who have provided the information and we have spoken to their families about how we will progress from here,” says Detective Inspector Loper.
Police have also addressed the growing concern within the Ōpōtiki community regarding the allegations and say they are taking the allegations seriously and have all the resources necessary for the inquiry.
Detective Inspector Loper says, "However, we need to work carefully and methodically, and ask that the community have patience while that occurs. In the meantime, we will continue to keep the affected students and their families appropriately informed as our inquiries progress.”
Police have asked anyone who may have more information to contact them immediately.