Teen knocked out at graduation party a 'talented' student

A 17-year-old girl who was knocked unconscious at a graduation party early this morning was a "popular and talented" student.

Police said they were called to a property in Opotiki at 3.50am after gatecrashers tried to gain entry to a private party being held for Opotiki College school-leavers.

A 17-year-old girl had been knocked unconscious and was found by police with mouth injuries.

Police believe she had been unconscious for a while after she was hit by an object that was thrown.

Opotiki College principal Alex Maehe said the school was wishing the teen a "speedy recovery".

"The staff and students of Opotiki College are very concerned about one of our students, who sustained a head injury and had to be taken to Tauranga Hospital after being assaulted in the early hours of this morning," he said.

"We have been keeping in close contact with her family in regards to her progress and they have confirmed that she is okay but will be kept in hospital for further observations.

"She is one of our popular and talented students and we wish her a speedy recovery."

He said the college had offered guidance support for any other students who were affected by the incident.

The girl was initially taken to Whakatane Hospital but was then airlifted to Tauranga Hospital.

The Tauranga-based Trustpower TECT Rescue helicopter said there was some concern the girl had suffered from a serious injury.

The girl was in a stable condition in Tauranga Hospital.