Mana College students sent home after chemical incident and lockdown

Report from RNZ
Mana College has lifted a lockdown put in place this morning after a ‘chemical incident.’

On its website, the school said all students, staff and people on-site were safely accounted for.

But the school will remain closed for the day, and all students have been released as per an email sent to parents.

The NZ Herald reported that Mana College said on social media that the school was closing after a chemical substance was discovered on site. “We are clearing the campus in direct coordination with the Police. All students are safe and under full supervision,” the post said.

A Fire and Emergency spokeswoman said crews were assisting police and the Defence Force with the incident, and had 3 fire trucks in attendance.

A police spokeswoman said officers had assisted with cordons after the discovery of a “concerning chemical” this morning. “I understand the chemical’s being made safe,” the police spokeswoman said.