A primary school principal in Whangarei wants clarification on his legal rights after two parents insisted on taking their children home during an Armed Offenders Squad alert on Wednesday.
Hora Hora Primary School in the suburb of Raumanga was in lockdown for an hour, after police cordoned off a neighbouring house, where a man assaulting a woman was thought to have a firearm.
Principal Pat Newman was told by officers to keep the children inside because the school was in range of a rifle shot.
However, two parents argued with Mr Newman, saying they had the right to take their children home.
Mr Newman has asked the Ministry of Education what his legal rights are in these situations.
He told Morning Report it is difficult when some people consider his word as advice only and still take their children home.
