Attacks on schoolchildren sickening, says principal

A Whangarei principal says a spate of violent attacks on schoolchildren is sickening and has urged pupils to help fellow students in distress.

The attacks appear to be unprovoked and Whangarei Boys High School head Al Kirk said he was appalled students were being targeted by thugs.

"It's sickening this is happening and sickening it's happening almost at will ... It's abhorrent and it's disgusting to all right-thinking people," Mr Kirk said.

In the past two weeks, there have been four attacks on Whangarei children after school.

The latest was on Friday when two masked teenagers robbed two 12-year-old schoolgirls in suburban Kamo about 4.15pm.

In the other attacks:

* Two Whangarei Boys High pupils were punched on March 10.

* A Whangarei Intermediate School pupil was punched by a man on March 10.

* A Whangarei Boys High pupil was punched by a man on March 2.

Mr Kirk urged students to help their fellow pupils in distress if they could do so without endangering themselves.

"I don't want them to get involved in a stoush ... but if it's possible to break it up, step in and help, but don't get involved and exacerbate it."

Witnesses to the attacks needed to speak out.

Kamo Intermediate principal John Smith said his two 12-year-old female students had put up a fierce fight against their two attackers, believed to be Maori females aged 17 or 18.

The attackers ripped jewellery off their young victims and also tried to take clothing and shoes.

Sergeant Anaru Roberts said police were investigating. "We need to do some more background inquiries and see why these alleged assaults are happening to the pupils."

- NZPA