West Auckland -- 'Very scary' - four schools in lockdown, kids cower under desks large police presence in area
Rutherford College in West Auckland has been placed in lockdown, with students told to stay indoors and armed police in the area.
Photos have been posted photos online of students huddling under desks with the classroom’s curtains closed.
A parent told the Herald she has been waiting for her daughter who studies at Rutherford Primary but “it seems like something is happening at the college”.
Armed police and patrol vehicles are stationed outside Rutherford College. Parents are not being allowed inside and have been told to wait outside.
One parent at the scene said they received a text message at 11.53am about the school going into lockdown.
”You hear about these things happening in the States not here,” she told the Herald.
“I just am very anxious. There was a threat of someone coming down and shooting. A threatening phone call.”
A message on Rutherford College’s website confirmed it is in lockdown “due to an incident”.
“We will continue to provide updates on our website as often as possible. Please do not come to the school or phone the school as you will not be attended to and this may cause disruption to the management of this incident and could potentially place yourselves and/or our staff and student’s safety at risk,” the message says
“We will update this website when the lock down has been completed. Thank you.”
Locals are reporting armed police at the school and say police with rifles were setting up near the Z petrol station.
Parents on social media say their children had texted them to say the school was in lockdown.
Another Te Atatu primary school, Matipo Primary, has also gone into lockdown due to the unfolding situation.
On its Facebook page the school says all its gates and entrances are locked and children are in their classrooms.
Parents are asked to not call the school office to keep the lines of communication free for the police and education officials.
Earlier lockdown at Manurewa high school
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Alfriston College in Manurewa was also placed in lockdown for about 30 minutes earlier this morning.
Police said there was a report of a person with a gun in the wider Randwick Park area but that had not been substantiated.
The school was now out of lockdown and operating as normal.
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Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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89.1% Yes, it's fair
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10.3% No, it's unreasonable
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0.7% Other - I'll share below
2024 NZ Chinese Food and Culture Festival
Get ready for the 2nd annual New Zealand Chinese Food & Culture Festival happening on November 17, 2024 hosted at the Corbans Estate Arts Centre in West Auckland! This year’s festival is going to be bigger, better, and packed with even more mouthwatering food and vibrant cultural performances. After the huge success of last year’s event, we’re bringing fresh ideas and exciting twists to make this an unforgettable celebration of Chinese food and culture—right here in New Zealand!
Expect a dazzling fusion of flavours, traditions, and local charm as the festival brings together delicious Chinese cuisine and unique cultural showcases. This year's event will feature even more food stalls, a wider variety of performances, and some special guests, including the incredibly talented singer Zhang Mengmeng!
With extensive media coverage and buzz from nearly 20 outlets, it's the perfect chance for foodies and cultural enthusiasts alike to show off their talents, share their love for Chinese culture, and create lasting connections. Whether you're a local or coming from overseas, this festival is all about celebrating diversity, unity, and deliciousness.
So, gather your family and friends, and join us for a day filled with tasty eats, awesome entertainment, and lots of fun! Don’t miss out—come celebrate, savour, and make memories at the New Zealand Chinese Food & Culture Festival!
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Smoke in Mt Wellington
Smoke has been seen coming from the crater of the Auckland maunga Mt Wellington.
Images of the smoke began appearing on social media on Friday afternoon.
Around 1.45pm, Fire and Emergency (Fenz) shift manager Josh Pennefather told the NZ Herald a crew was fighting a fire of about 60 square metres in size.
”It’s spreading up hill … [but] there’s no property at risk at this stage,” Pennefather said.
Six fire trucks were in attendance working to contain a grass fire that's spreading up the maunga.
A helicopter was on its way to assist firefighting efforts, he added.
At 2pm, Pennefather shared that the fire was contained and they were working to extinguish it, including “keeping an eye on a whole bunch of hot spots“.
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