Auckland's Kingsway School teacher accused of assault, police probe launched

A teacher at Kingsway School, a state-integrated Christian school in North Shore area of Auckland, New Zealand, has been accused of assault and sent on paid leave. Police are investigating the allegation with the school principal, Graeme Budler, confirming the allegations involve outdated disciplinary methods. The school is providing counselling support to those affected.

“The allegations relate to outdated disciplinary practices that do not align with the school's values, teaching standards, or the law. The school has offered counselling support to everyone affected," the principal stated.

Police officers tasked with investigating the charges are gathering information from the victims as well as the witnesses to the alleged events. Police stated that the “investigation remained in the early stages, and they were speaking to victims and witnesses involved.”


According to New Zealand news portal Stuff.co.nz, the police believe it to be a case of “mass allegation Investigation”. It means that four or more children may have been seriously abused by the accused or a group of offenders.

According to the school, investigators are getting full cooperation. The teacher accused of assault has been sent on paid leave. The preliminary probe reveals that the allegations against the teacher are serious and also raise questions about past practices at the school

Police officials stated that the further course of action would depend on the information gathered and the conclusion arrived at based on the claims.

Kingsway School’s website highlights its commitment to Christian values and its integrated status means it receives government funding. The school has two campuses: a primary school in Silverdale and a secondary school in Red Beach.