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Police say they might investigate a teacher who ran off for a new life with a 16-year-old student if asked to by the girl's parents or the school.
One officer - who did not wish to be named - said police "have an obligation to investigate offences, and if we were approached ... it's not something that we would turn people away on. That's our job".
The comments come after revelations that Wairarapa College drama teacher Luke McIndoe, 24, and Chelsea Havard formed a relationship while he was her teacher at the school.
The relationship was discovered by students, and the couple have moved to Wellington where Chelsea is understood to have enrolled at a high school. Mr McIndoe resigned from the school last week.
It is unlikely Wairarapa College will be calling on police to investigate any possible underage-sex issue.
School board chairwoman Karen Barbour said last night she believed they should be left alone.
"My personal opinion is that it really isn't anybody's business what happens ... let them be, let them get on with their lives."
Mrs Barbour said contacting the police was "not really up to us", and as Chelsea's parents were "not interested" in commenting, "[the board] have got to go with their wishes".
Chelsea's parents, Andrew and Wendy Havard, refused to answer Herald questions.
