Police are investigating claims that a group of teenagers has been "harassing" parents, teachers and children near an Auckland primary school where a youth was allegedly attacked with an axe handle.
A 39-year-old manager, the husband of a teacher, will appear in the Waitakere District Court in September
charged with assault and possession of an offensive weapon, namely a tomahawk.
The 14-year-old boy, who had been riding his bicycle at Kaurilands School with about six others, needed 11 stitches in his mouth after Sunday's incident.
But parents of some children at the school say youths on bicycles have been "terrorising" people at the school for months.
And they believe the man's alleged actions have been a long time coming.
Debbie Sarney, the mother of a pupil at the school, told the Herald: "We're just getting sick and tired of getting intimidated by the thugs that ride around outside the shops.
"As an adult we're intimidated so the little guys coming out from school must be petrified of them."
Often, she saw the group riding outside the school at 2.30pm when they should be in school.
Mrs Sarney said she was concerned for the effects of the incident on the teacher. "Our support is with her and her husband."
Mrs Sarney said she could not confirm if the boy who was allegedly beaten belonged to the group involved in earlier incidents.
Other parents claim the group is also responsible for graffiti and other vandalism at the school.
Sergeant Grant Watson of the New Lynn community policing centre said police were increasing area patrols and were considering visiting the school after hours.
Mr Watson will meet with school staff on Monday to discuss its concerns.
Police were yet to speak to all witnesses to Sunday's incident.
However, police were looking at issuing trespass notices, which would prevent people being allowed on the school grounds for two years.
The safety concerns raised by the community since Sunday were worrying, but often youths were responsible for "nuisance type offences" which were not illegal, Mr Watson said.
Police would be working with the school and the youths to help resolve their concerns, he said.
