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An independent inquiry into allegations of bullying at a New Plymouth school will begin straight away.
New Plymouth Boys' High School board of trustees has requested the New Zealand School Trustees Association (NZSTA) to appoint an independent inquiry team to investigate bullying allegations.
Lex Hamill, a private education consultant appointed by the NZSTA, would meet the school's board of trustees tonight.
The inquiry would focus on a recent incident that left a Year 12 boarder with two black eyes, stitches, bruises and a painful jaw.
Mr Hamill told the Taranaki Daily News, while the inquiry would focus on the individual incident, other bullying complaints would not be ignored.
People with other bullying complaints should ring and register their interest with the school, he said.
Mr Hamill said he would be interviewing anyone involved in the recent bullying allegation and evaluating the school's handling of the event.
A former teacher, parents and students have claimed a culture of bullying at the school.
The teacher said during his time at the school a senior student had reported to him that he had been raped with a bottle while boarding.
- NZPA
