Opotiki District Council statement re allegations

The Opōtiki Mayor is urging the community and the media to let Police get on with the job of investigating allegations of a sexual nature involving students from Opōtiki College without unhelpful speculation.

Mayor John Forbes said the community is close knit and the community is concerned about the allegations.

“The priority of all our community is the safety and well-being of all of our young people. We are a close community and will be providing support to students, their families and the school.

“I have since been in contact with the Police and our community can have confidence they are taking this seriously and are acting as quickly as they can.

“I understand they are in the initial phases of their investigation and they are working closely with the young people concerned, their families, the school and other agencies to ensure the proper support and resources are in place.”

The Mayor emphasised Police comment that there is no indication that any of the alleged offending has occurred at the school or that it involves any school staff.

“Opōtiki College is a good school that cares about its students. We know they are supporting students, parents, whanau and teachers at this time,” he said.

ENDS

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