The principal of Freyberg High School in Palmerston North says the behaviour of some of his students during a protest at the end of a visit by David Seymour was "totally unacceptable".
Seymour, who was visiting the school in his capacity as Associate Education Minister, stood and faced a haka as he went to leave.
Video seen by 1News showed teachers creating a human barrier as the students performed.
One student appeared to spit on the ground in front of Seymour. Students also gathered near his car as he went to leave the school.
Principal Graeme Williams said in a statement this morning: "The behaviour of some of our students at the end of their protest yesterday was totally unacceptable and contrary to the values and the high standards we hold ourselves to.
"Upholding the mana of our young people recognises the reality of their world but also that we must respect and uphold the dignity of each other and all guests at our kura/school."
He said the incident will be "managed appropriately through our disciplinary process".
Yesterday Seymour told 1News some of the students became "overexcited" as he left, "perhaps seeing a politician they recognised and egging each other on".
He added: "I thought their haka was actually good."
He said he met with school leaders to discuss attendance and the conversation was "really valuable".
"I’ve spoken to the principal and am happy to come back and visit the school again.
"This time I was only scheduled to meet with staff, but I’d welcome the opportunity to meet the students properly next time and the principal says they’re very open to that."
Stuff reported that some school families had said they were angry the government was looking to review the free lunches in schools programme, which provides meals to over 200,000 students around NZ.
Seymour had previously said it was wasteful.
Freyberg is part of that programme.
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