Rangiora High School is closed today due to a high number of staff with Covid-19.
The Canterbury school notified parents and caregivers on Sunday that 30 staff had tested positive, and it was unable to hold classes.
Principal Bruce Kearney told 1News 80% of those with Covid-19 were teachers.
The school is expected to re-open on Wednesday.
"This decision was not taken lightly. This is not our usual practice. We hope Tuesday's public holiday allows us to reset," said Kearney, in a statement released to the school community.
"Thank you for understanding."
Kearney said the virus may have been spread during a "staff-only day" where the teachers may have been "a bit vigorous with our treasure hunt".
"We do a lot of workshops and a scavenger hunt — but I'm only guessing."
He said it was disappointing, especially for Year 9 students who were just starting at school.
But, Kearney said the timing of the day between the weekend and Waitangi Day meant "one day gave us four" days to the break the cycle of transmission.
In the last week, 5757 people have reported having tested positive for Covid-19.
Of this number, 3609 were reinfections, and 50 were reinfections within the last 90 days.
Last week, Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti said rapid antigen tests, known as RATs, will be provided to the public and health sector until the end of June.
"New Zealand's current inventory of RATs expires before the end of March and the ability to keep providing free stock would have come to an end," Reti said.
"Officials will provide me with further advice on Covid-19 testing and supply requirements from July 1 onwards".
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