School ball cancelled over threat concerns

Matt Stewart matt.stewart@stuff.co.nz Napier Girls’ High School’s ball has been cancelled at the last minute due to police concerns over an undisclosed threat.

The ball was to have been held last night at Centennial Hall at McLean Park, but principal Dawn Ackroyd sent a message to year 12 and 13 parents and students canning the event.

‘‘Unfortunately we are cancelling tonight’s ball for health and safety concerns based on latest information from police,’’ Ackroyd said.

‘‘Please inform your partners of the latest situation. Please do not turn up at the venue.’’

Ackroyd later said in a statement the ‘‘drastic’’ decision was regretted, but safety was paramount and there was disappointment that someone would seek to disrupt the event.

‘‘We appreciate the disappointment and the impact this has had on our school and wider school community. The school ball is a highlight of the year for many of our students, and we know that our young women look forward to it,’’ she said.

A police spokeswoman said they had been investigating the unidentified threat and had been working closely with the school.

Police would not disclose the nature of the threat, as it was the subject of an ongoing investigation.

A mother – who did not want to be named – said the cancellation was a particular disappointment for the girls attending the ball, many of whom had spent money and time planning dresses, makeup and hair for the event.

‘‘My daughter was already sitting in the hairdresser’s chair when the text came through. At least it’s not like the Wellington bomb scare one, where students didn’t find out until they arrived at the venue.’’

Last month, emergency services were alerted to ‘‘an item of concern located in the loading dock’’ of the Te Papa museum in Wellington, forcing the cancellation of a planned Wellington Girls’ College ball set to start just an hour and a half later.

‘‘When it comes down to it, we put our trust in the school and the police that this is the safest decision for our daughter,’’ the mother said.