Whanganui one of 12 centres with reports of phone threats towards schools

Police are making inquiries to determine the source of the calls. Photo / Bevan Conley

Whanganui High School is one of the schools in 12 areas around New Zealand that received a phone threat on Thursday.

A police spokesperson said they took the threats "extremely seriously" and
inquiries were being made to determine the source of the calls.

In a letter to parents and staff, Whanganui High School principal Martin McAllen confirmed the school had received an automated hoax bomb threat over the phone.

"Our staff immediately phoned 111 and three police officers arrived very quickly at our school.

"An urgent meeting was held and the situation was assessed fully with reference to our comprehensive emergency procedures.

"The police officers investigated and determined that there were no specific safety risks."

McAllen said that upon following the advice of the police officers present immediately on site, it became clear the automated incoming phone call was linked to a number of other calls to schools throughout the North Island and South Island on Thursday.

"Police extends thanks to the schools involved for following their emergency procedures, and to the wider school communities for their co-operation," a police spokesperson said.

On Tuesday threats were made to schools in Waikato, Thames and Gisborne.

Leader of operations and integration at the Ministry of Education, Sean Teddy, said it was aware that multiple schools across the country had received the threat.

"All schools and kura have established emergency management protocols in place, which they activate if a risk is identified.

"We are in contact with those schools and kura that received the message to provide guidance, if needed."