A south Auckland school has pulled out of this week's Polyfest cultural competitions after a playground brawl which left several students injured.
Five students at Aorere College are facing disciplinary action over the fight last Friday.
Since then all 1500 students have been confined to their classrooms and outside activities have been cancelled.
Principal Patrick Drumm says Polyfest has come at the wrong time for 300 students to spend four days off campus.
He says they aren't being punished, but the school let itself down with the fight and the whole school is taking responsibility.
Aorere College had six groups entered at Polyfest and Mr Drumm says withdrawing is a huge disappointment for the students, staff and parents involved.
Polyfest organisers say they did not want the school to pull out and are confident of safety at the festival.
