Hutt Valley High School - Bullying and Violence

Bullying and Violence

The school was highly criticised by the news media, parents and the public in 2007 when acting principal Steve Chapman did not expel or suspend five students accused of forcibly lowering the underpants of a 14-year-old student and violating him with an object on December 6, 2007. Chapman justified his decision to simply stand down the students, because it was not a violent act. The local police however, labeled the incident as extreme bullying.

Board chairwoman Susan Pilbrow’s response brought the school's safety into further question. Pilbrow is reported as saying that a series of assaults preceding the main attack were minor, and did not warrant being referred to the board, even though scissors and cell phones were being used as weapons and they were regarded as serious violent and sexual assaults by authorities.

Chris Carter, then Minister of Education, asked for an urgent report into allegations of underage sex, drinking and drug-taking at the school. The report found that there was no evidence of ongoing serious problems apart from the December incidents. However, the report found that while the school had clear expectations of its students' behaviour, there was "a lack of clear procedures in dealing with incidents" (particularly complaint and investigation of the abuse) and that some management policies needed updating.

Parents were incensed at the response from the school and complained to the offices of the Ombudsman and Human Rights Commission.

In September 2011 the Chief Ombudsman released a comprehensive and highly critical report finding that the school had a systematic culture of bullying and violence and that discipline systems were inadequate and recommended the implementation of mandatory anti-bullying programmes in all schools.