The boy police believe stabbed his teacher in the neck is now in the care of Child, Youth and Family, police say.
The teacher was attacked in front of up to 24 students at Te Puke High School this morning.
An ambulance officer, said the 53-year-old man, thought to be a maths teacher at the school, was stabbed multiple times with a 10cm kitchen knife.
Police would not confirm the victim’s identity, while the school was unavailable for comment.
Western Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Mike Clement said the victim is a 53-year-old and has stab wounds to his neck and shoulder. “The victim has been treated at Tauranga Hospital today and is currently being monitored. It is likely that he will be discharged this evening,” Mr Clement said. A Te Puke High School pupil, named Harley, told the Herald the teacher was well-liked and respected.
“We’re in shock, bro,” Harley said. “Hard out. Our school is a good school and we don’t deserve this.”
A St John ambulance officer, who did not wish to be identified, said the 53-year-old teacher suffered one wound to the back of his neck and two wounds to his back, news website Sunlive reported. Te Puke High School Principal Alan Liddle told media, at a press conference at the school just before midday, that the teacher had worked at the school for eight years.
Mr Clement said the students and teachers are being offered support and counselling following the incident. “The students have been spoken to by Police as witnesses, as have several teachers who came to the aid of the victim,” Mr Clement said. “Police have conducted a scene examination of the classroom, including recovering the weapon that was considered to be used in the attack,” he said.
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