Update on incident at Te Puke High School

At 11:10am this morning, a 53 year old male teacher was stabbed in the neck and shoulder region with a knife by a 13 year old boy.

Western Bay of Plenty Area Commander, Inspector Mike Clement, says the incident occurred in a classroom, in front of approximately 23 Year 9 students.

Inspector Clement says the victim was taken to Tauranga Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

"The victim has been treated at Tauranga Hospital today and is currently being monitored. It is likely that he will be discharged this evening."

Inspector Clement says the students, along with seven teachers, have been offered support and counselling through Victim Support and the school's own support programmes.

"The students have been spoken to by Police as witnesses, as have several teachers who came to the aid of the victim.

"Police have conducted a scene examination of the classroom, including recovering the weapon that was considered to be used in the attack."

Inspector Clement says the 13 year old boy responsible is being interviewed by Police.

"He has been taken into custody and will be placed in the care of Child, Youth and Family pending a family group conference."

The Police investigation is continuing.