Latest news with #WellingtonPolice
RNZ News
16-05-2025
- RNZ News
Onslow College deputy principal on leave as police make inquiries
Onslow College. Photo: Supplied/Google Maps Street View A deputy principal from Onslow College in Wellington is on leave, while the police have confirmed they have received a complaint about a school staff member and are making inquiries. The school told parents it was "undertaking a process" concerning Connor Baird, one of five deputy principals at the college, who is currently on leave. The note to parents, sent on Wednesday morning and signed off by the principal and two board chairs, addressed a recent media query about "rumours circulating in our community relating to Deputy Principal Mr Baird, who is currently on leave". "Onslow College is undertaking a process that ensures the matter is managed respectfully and fairly," it said. But as the process was confidential, it needed to respect the privacy of everyone involved were not able to provide further information, the school statement said. "We kindly ask our community to avoid speculation, which can have unintended consequences," it said. "The wellbeing of our students, staff and whānau is our highest priority." Wellington Police confirmed to RNZ they were making enquiries after receiving a complaint relating to an Onslow College staff member. "We are working to determine if any criminal offending has taken place." The teaching council registration database shows Baird has "voluntarily agreed not to teach". It told RNZ: "When there are serious allegations made regarding a teacher's conduct, the Teaching Council's Triage Committee may seek a voluntary agreement with the teacher to step away from teaching while the matter is investigated to ensure a fair and transparent process." It should be seen as a precautionary measure without any implication or assumption of guilt, it said. "In general, the Teaching Council does not comment on complaints or Mandatory Reports that have been made to the Council (including confirming whether one has recently or previously been received in relation to a specific teacher, ECE centre, school or Kura). This is to ensure we act in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and the principles of natural justice." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
16-05-2025
- RNZ News
Onslow College principal on leave amid police investigation into college staff member
Onslow College. Photo: Supplied/Google Maps Street View A deputy principal from Onslow College in Wellington is on leave, while the police have confirmed they have received a complaint about a school staff member and are making inquiries. The school told parents it was "undertaking a process" concerning Connor Baird, one of five deputy principals at the college, who is currently on leave. The note to parents, sent on Wednesday morning and signed off by the principal and two board chairs, addressed a recent media query about "rumours circulating in our community relating to Deputy Principal Mr Baird, who is currently on leave". "Onslow College is undertaking a process that ensures the matter is managed respectfully and fairly," it said. But as the process was confidential, it needed to respect the privacy of everyone involved were not able to provide further information, the school statement said. "We kindly ask our community to avoid speculation, which can have unintended consequences," it said. "The wellbeing of our students, staff and whānau is our highest priority." Wellington Police confirmed to RNZ they were making enquiries after receiving a complaint relating to an Onslow College staff member. "We are working to determine if any criminal offending has taken place." The teaching council registration database shows Baird has "voluntarily agreed not to teach". It told RNZ: "When there are serious allegations made regarding a teacher's conduct, the Teaching Council's Triage Committee may seek a voluntary agreement with the teacher to step away from teaching while the matter is investigated to ensure a fair and transparent process." It should be seen as a precautionary measure without any implication or assumption of guilt, it said. "In general, the Teaching Council does not comment on complaints or Mandatory Reports that have been made to the Council (including confirming whether one has recently or previously been received in relation to a specific teacher, ECE centre, school or Kura). This is to ensure we act in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and the principles of natural justice." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
12-05-2025
- RNZ News
Wellington man accused of 'multiple complaints' of assault after social media post
Wellington police are urging people not to engage in discussion or speculation of the man's identity on social media. File photo. Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER Police are investigating a Wellington man over "multiple complaints" of assault, which RNZ understands relate to sex crimes. Two women - who did not want to be named - told RNZ they had been assaulted by the same man in incidents which occurred years apart. Both said they had reported their experiences to police. The women connected after a social media post about the man - which had since been deleted. They said the post prompted several women to share information about the man, including allegations of rape, violence and use of alcohol or drugs to subdue victims. Wellington District crime services manager John van den Heuvel confirmed detectives were working on "multiple complaints about an individual". He urged people not to engage in discussion or speculation of the man's identity on social media or other public forums. "We are aware there is concern and disquiet in the community about this, but we can't resolve this over social media. In fact, rumour and speculation can potentially be harmful to our investigation. "We don't want people to take matters into their own hands. Leave it to the police to deal with," he said. Van den Heuvel said police had "dedicated detectives" following up the complaints and urged others to come forward. "We need to hear people's stories and analyse the evidence, but we can't do anything if people don't come to us," he said. He assured potential complainants that their experiences would be treated with respect. "We take these allegations seriously and we will work to ensure you have the appropriate support," van den Heuvel said. HELP executive director Kathryn McPhillips said the agency was ready to provide support to victims of sexual abuse, assault, or harassment. "People can contact HELP services across the country - If they're thinking about reporting to police or if they don't know if they want to - please get in touch and we can help you figure out what it is that you want to do. "There's no statute of limitations on sexual violation complaints. The same with seeking help. It doesn't matter how long ago this happened to you. We are there to support you. "If you decide to report to police then we can support you every step of the way," McPhillips said. If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
