The principal of Taupo-nui-a-Tia College says the fire that destroyed one of the school's largest teaching blocks is "a significant event for our whole community" that will disrupt learning for days and leave a deep emotional impact on students and staff.
Two young people have been charged with arson after the blaze tore through the school's N Block on Sunday afternoon, levelling the two storey building and everything inside it.
Volunteer and career fire crews from Lake Taupō, Taupō, Kinloch, Rotorua, Tokoroa, Greerton, Tauranga, Turangi, and Kaingaroa responded.
"As the block became fully engulfed, police closed surrounding roads for approximately four hours while Fire and Emergency New Zealand worked to contain the blaze," Detective Sergeant Allan Humphries of Taupō police said.
"The block of classrooms was destroyed, along with everything inside. We acknowledge this will be devastating for college teachers, students and families.
"Our investigators were able to quickly identify two alleged offenders in relation to the fire."
They have been charged with arson and were set to appear in Taupō Youth Court this week.
Fire and Emergency NZ responded to the fire at Taupo-nui-a-Tia College around 2.10pm on Sunday with crews from across the region. (Source: Supplied)
Principal Ben Claxton told 1News the impact of the fire went beyond the bricks and mortar.
"Buildings aren't just physical spaces, they come with emotional attachment too. Students, past students, current and former staff have all been affected by this," he said.
The block housed 11 classrooms, including most of the maths department alongside languages and social sciences rooms. It also contained the school's health and counselling services, as well as one of its main bathroom facilities.
"This was one of our biggest buildings," Claxton said.
"It's going to have a big impact on how we do things."
The school would remain closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday while the site was secured and made safe. Online learning would begin tomorrow.
Claxton said planning was underway with the Ministry of Education to source portable or relocatable classrooms but that the process would take time.
"It's going to be pretty challenging to get things up and running," he said.
"We'll take things day by day and hope to have more information on Wednesday about what transitioning back to on site learning might look like."
Online learning could continue for days or even weeks until temporary teaching spaces were arranged, he said.
"Our school motto is Kia Kaha — it speaks for itself," he said.
"We need our community to continue to be strong and rally together as they already have. We've had amazing support."
He encouraged anyone who wanted to help the school through the recovery process to get in touch.
'Quite scary': Witness describes blaze
Witness Allan Goldsmith told 1News yesterday that he saw a black column of smoke coming from the direction of the school while he was having lunch and went to take a look.
"There was a really strong smell of polystyrene, and there was what looked like burning polystyrene coming out of the windows, and the windows were exploding," he said.
"It was quite scary to see how quickly the flames started to spread along the building."
Taupō District Mayor John Funnell said the fire was "devastating" for the teaching team and students.
"My thoughts are with all the students, teachers and parents as they come to terms with the impact from this event."
Taupō MP Louise Upston said in a post it was "a very difficult day for the college community".
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