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Police say an extreme bullying attack at a Hutt Valley High School has left one boy traumatised and six others facing court.
Detective Sergeant Brendan Mears, of Lower Hutt CIB, said the serious assault was one of several at the school last year that police were investigating.
On December 10, the mother of a 14-year-old boy told police he had been assaulted by a group of six boys during lunchtime within the school grounds.
Five 13-year-old boys would be referred to the Family Court and a 14-year-old boy would appear in the Lower Hutt Youth Court over the incident, said Mr Mears.
All the boys were year nine students at the school.
"This attack was bullying in the extreme. A group of students have unfortunately developed a pack mentality in carrying out unprovoked assaults on other students."
The complainant and his family had been traumatised by the attack, Mr Mears said.
Assaults on other students were being investigated.
"Police will be working closely with the school to ensure robust anti-bullying strategies are in place," and officers would visit other schools to reinforce the anti-bullying message.
- NZPA
