Aide charged with grooming

MacMillan and his mum outside court. Photo / Doug Sherring

A 19-year-old teacher aide has been charged with grooming a girl while working at an intermediate school.

Kevin McMillan was employed by Blockhouse Bay Intermediate, where his mother was chairwoman of the board of trustees.

It was alleged that between August 16 and 24 this year he sent inappropriate text messages to the 12-year-old and arranged to meet the child outside school hours with intent to commit a crime.

His mother, Robyn McMillan, said she had "utmost faith" in her son, who would defend the charge.

"He is traumatised by the situation and he cannot do anything until his name has been cleared," she said.

She said she had followed the school's policy in dealing with any conflict of interest "to the letter".

McMillan appeared in court on Tuesday and was remanded on bail without plea to reappear in the Auckland District Court on November 15.

However, a special hearing was held on Friday before Judge Thomas Everitt for the police to apply for the school's name to be suppressed after the Herald on Sunday began inquiring into the case.

Judge Everitt said there was significant public interest in which school McMillan was employed at when the alleged offence took place.

"Parents are entitled to know the police believe something untoward went on in August so they can make up their own minds. Public interest far outweighs the slim risk police are concerned about," he said.

School principal Colin Andrews said the matter was "extremely distressing" for everyone.

"The hiring was done entirely by myself and absolutely, 100 per cent, background checks were completed," he said.

He had dealt with McMillan directly and had informed his mother and the rest of the board about the issue.

He said an acting chair had stood in for Robyn McMillan when dealing with the matter.

He issued a statement which he said had been prepared in consultation with the board of trustees.

"Blockhouse Bay Intermediate School has followed all correct procedures in dealing with an issue involving inappropriate text messaging between a teacher aide and a pupil."