School has already dealt with drunk seen on TV

Photo / Martin Sykes

The principal of a North Shore college says a drunken 15-year-old girl who appeared in school uniform on a police reality show was dealt with when the incident happened seven months ago.

The Westlake Girls High student was shown on Thursday night's episode of Police Ten 7 drinking and smoking with a group of boys at Takapuna Beach. She was referred to only as "Paula".

The TV footage shows the Year 10 student yelling obscenities as two officers approach, then stumbling when standing up.

The girl yells for her teddy bear when she realises she is about to be taken to the police station.

In a patrol car, she reveals she has skipped her exams that day, and is given some home truths by Constable Dan Brockbank.

Westlake Girls principal Alison Gernhoefer said the school identified the student yesterday.

At the time of the incident, last November, the girl had been on a week's exam leave. Westlake had worked with the police at the time over the incident, but did not realise she was to be featured on Police Ten 7.

"I didn't have a clue she was going to be on the show," Ms Gernhoefer said.

"Nobody knew anything about it. And I was busy doing seventh form reports. I was quite shocked to hear all this. For an incident which happened seven months ago, it is a bit bizarre."

Ms Gernhoefer said Paula's parents were contacted in November, her exam leave was revoked and she was made to attend school.

The principal said the student was doing better.

"She's trying hard. In the words of the ancient mariner, she's a sadder and a wiser man, a sadder and a wiser student after that event."

Paula had "already had her punishment" but Ms Gernhoefer said that following the screening, she would speak to her and her parents again today.