Māngere, New Zealand – Three teenagers, aged between 15 and 16, have been charged with assault following a violent attack on a student from Marcellin College. The incident took place on February 12 when a group of 10-15 teenagers from Māngere College targeted a boy from Marcellin College as he got off the bus in Māngere and chased him to a nearby car park behind McDonald’s. The attack, witnessed by around 30 other teenagers, involved the victim being struck in the head with a bottle, punched, kicked, and stomped on by multiple assailants.
The victim, a junior at Marcellin College, was hospitalized as a result of the attack. Fortunately, a couple who witnessed the incident intervened, shouting at the attackers to stop. They provided first aid to the injured boy and accompanied him to the hospital until his mother arrived. The three boys responsible for the assault have been charged and referred to Youth Aid for accountability.
In the aftermath of the assault, community leaders and school officials called for calm and an end to the rivalry between the two schools. To prevent further attacks, staff members from Marcellin College patrolled Māngere Town Centre, with police eventually taking on the responsibility of monitoring the area. Bus routes were also temporarily altered to avoid dropping off Marcellin students near the town center.
Community meetings involving police and the families of those involved have taken place since the incident. Additionally, private discussions aimed at finding resolution have occurred among the families of the students. Māngere College’s acting principal confirmed that the matter is under police investigation and that discussions have been held with Marcellin College’s principal.
In efforts to promote unity and prevent future incidents, community advocate Fitz, a Māngere resident, plans to address students at both schools. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and connections, highlighting the commonalities shared by all students from Māngere regardless of the school they attend. Security measures have also been implemented in the affected area to ensure the safety of students and the community.