Two young people have been charged with arson following a major fire at a Taupō college yesterday.
The N block at Taupo-nui-a-Tia College was badly damaged in the blaze, which saw volunteer and career crews from Lake Taupō, Taupō, Kinloch, Rotorua, Tokoroa, Greerton, Tauranga, Turangi, and Kaingaroa respond.
"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 are set to appear in Taupō Youth Court this week.
'This will be unsettling for families'
The school's deputy principal Ben Claxton said it would be shut for the next two days while the site is made safe.
"The wellbeing of our students and staff is our absolute priority. Our focus is on ensuring everyone is supported and on minimising disruption to our school community," he said.
"We are working closely with the Ministry of Education and emergency services as we assess the damage and plan our next steps.
"We understand this will be unsettling for families, and we are grateful for the understanding, support and care being shown across our community. We will continue to keep students, staff and families informed as more information becomes available."
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".
"One teaching block has been destroyed, with the canteen and other areas of the school also suffering damage. The school will be closed on Monday and Tuesday while safety assessments are carried out, including asbestos surveys."
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