10 May 2024

Planned school fight ups police presence at West Auckland transport hub

4:26 pm on 10 May 2024
AUCKLAND,NZ - JUNE 03 2014:Traffic Police officer pointing his radar gun at speeding traffic.Traffic Police Monitor traffic to ensure motorists observe traffic regulations and exhibit safe driving procedures.

Police and wardens are on alert in New Lynn. File photo. Photo: Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye/ 123rf

Extra police and security guards are at the New Lynn bus and train station in west Auckland after reports that students planned to fight after school on Friday.

Several schools in the area sent messages to parents today warning parents of the 'planned disorder'.

At least six security guards are outside the station, a police car is parked nearby and another half dozen wardens, all in yellow vests, are at the scene.

Police said they were aware of a possible planned disorder in New Lynn, and were increasing security patrols in the area.

In a message to parents, Lynfield College principal Cath Knell said the school was aware of rumours of a planned fight.

Students have been told to avoid the area, and in cooperation with other schools in the area, there will be a staff presence to reassure students who need to use the hub as they travel home, Knell said.

Police said they had been increasing patrols in recent weeks in response to issues with groups of young people fighting or intimidating people.

Last week, two 13-year-olds were attacked by a group of 20 other teens at the New Lynn bus station.

There have been similar attacks at the Henderson and Albany transport hubs.