Four secondary school students were on board a bus that caught on fire in north Auckland this morning.
Emergency services were called to the scene on Pakiri Rd, Leigh at around 8am.
Fire and Emergency NZ said four crews responded from Leigh and Matakana and found the bus in flames.
"All passengers on board were safely removed with no injuries," a spokesperson said.
The fire had been extinguished by 8.30am.
Sergeant Mark Stallworthy said the school bus was "extensively damaged" in the fire.
"It's fortunate that no one has been hurt," Stallworthy said.
Mahurangi College Principal Tony Giles said four of its students were evacuated from the bus, which had been travelling from Pakiri to Mahurangi College.
"My particular thanks goes to our two senior students who alerted the driver to the smoke and then assisted in helping the younger students off the bus," Giles said.
"They acted decisively and calmly, ensuring everyone was safe and supported.
"I'm pleased to confirm that all four students are safe and well."
Giles said a replacement bus had been made available for school runs, and that an "urgent meeting" would be requested with the representatives of the bus company regarding vehicle safety.
"We are especially concerned given the events of this week, in which a Mangawhai bus also caught fire," he said.
Pakiri Rd would be down to one lane until around midday.
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