The Ministry of Education has told Today FM it’s working with the principal of Waimea College in Nelson to identify whether additional support is needed, after Today FM published footage of violent student attacks at the college
On Friday morning Tova O'Brien spoke to another parent who sent in footage of a year 11 student brutally punching her son, with a mob of onlookers cheering him on.
The college is calling it a fight, but his mum says she's watched the video and that's clearly not the case.
"I was actually in shock, I was beside myself, I called the school and said this isn't a fight, they beat the shit out of him," she told O'Brien.
Waimea College Principal Scott Haines refused Today FM's request for an interview, saying their focus is on the school and community.
Nelson MP Rachel Boyack has been speaking to parents who say their kids have been bullied and spoke to O'Brien on Friday morning about the situation.
"First of all, can I express my concern for the kids involved and their families," Boyack said.
"I've spent a lot of time at this particular school and it's always struck me what a warm and inclusive school it is. What I would say is that the situations that have happened this year are actually out of character for Waimea.
"I've spoken to the principal and I understand they have had a particularly tough start to the year."
Boyack didn't want to minimise what parents are reporting. She said the situation is serious and needs to be addressed.
The fight incidents are currently being handled by the school. O'Brien asked Boyack if there needs to be a review to ensure systems are in place to prevent future violent attacks.
"Right now the focus is just making sure the support is put in place.
"One of the things that the ministry has offered is to make sure they can have direct contact with the ministry. The ministry has also offered to talk to any parents directly.
"What I think is important is for parents who are feeling concerned or have examples of incidents that they want to see addressed, I would encourage them to contact the school.
"In all of these situations, you'll always go through and say, what could be done differently? What could we learn from it? Whether that needs a full-blown investigation, I don't think that's quite the question just yet."
Boyack said she is also happy for parents to contact her and she will make sure they get connected to the ministry.
Listen to the full interview between Rachel Boyack and Tova above.
You can also download the full interview on the Tova podcast, and listen on the go.
