KEY POINTS:
Rotorua school students armed with home-made weapons are fighting in the streets, with police fearing it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt.
Rotorua police sergeant John Cassidy told NZPA police were called to fights after schools about three times a week.
The students were often armed with wooden batons, some modified with nails on the end and knives, some made at school, he said.
On one occasion police found a whip. Several imitation firearms have also been found.
"The problem is not just a Rotorua one, I would say it is also a national problem."
Mr Cassidy said police feared the fights would escalate, with someone becoming seriously injured.
Police were hoping the situation would ease once school finished for the year, he said.
- NZPA
