The phone call that ended a school ball

A mysterious call forced Napier Girls’ High School to cancel its ball but little is known about who made it or why.

Police are investigating ‘‘the origins of a phone call’’ made to the school on July 26 – the day before the school’s ball was scheduled – in which the safety of students attending the ball was threatened.

The school’s board of trustees chairman, Jude Minor, said he couldn’t provide details on the phone call.

The school was ‘‘still working through’’ a decision whether to hold another ball.

‘‘We’re not willing to talk about the future or what else has happened there because that’s a police matter,’’ Minor said.

It was ‘‘close to being decided’’ whether or not students would receive refunds for tickets.

Inspector David Greig said police would not be disclosing the nature of their inquiries, other than to confirm they were investigating. Police had not received any information indicating a threat against any other event.

School principal Dawn Ack-

‘‘We’re not willing to talk about the future.’’ Board of trustees chairman Jude Minor

royd has not provided any comment to Stuff since the incident.

A school spokeswoman said police had instructed the school not to provide any further comment.

Napier mother Kirin Harrison, whose daughter attends the school, said she was frustrated with whomever made the threat.

‘‘[The school] are put in an impossible position having to make such a difficult decision at the last minute,’’ Harrison said.

‘‘Our risk-adverse society means if anything had happened the school/police would probably have been in bigger trouble than the loser hurting the kids.

‘‘This means people in these positions take the conservative approach and I understand why but feel sad anyway.’’

Somebody was ‘‘wrecking things’’ for the students, she said.

Wellington Girls’ College’s ball was called off in June, following the discovery of an ‘‘item of concern’’ at Te Papa museum where the event was due to be held.