North-west Auckland school out of emergency lockdown following reports of gunfire

1:04 pm on 21 November 2022
A police operation is underway is Kumeu-Huapai, north-west Auckland with officers at The Secret Garden preschool.

Police in Kumeu-Huapai as nearby schools and early childhood centres were in lock down. Photo: Nick Monro/RNZ

Police say lockdown on school in Kumeū in north-west Auckland has been lifted, following inquiries.

Huapai District School and at least two kindergartens nearby were placed under lock down following reports of gunfire this morning.

Waitematā North Area Commander inspector Matt Laurenson said police received reports of gunshot at an address on Main Road just after 10 this morning.

As a precaution nearby schools were advised to go into lockdown, he said.

A police operation is underway is Kumeu-Huapai, north-west Auckland with officers at The Secret Garden preschool.

Police tape has been put up near The Secret Garden in Huapai. Photo: Nick Monro/RNZ

Laurenson said it was a standard procedure with any firearms-reported incident that were near educational institutions.

An update on the school's website also said the school was out of lockdown.

Earlier, it said all students and staff were safe and accounted for.

Parents were asked not to come to the school or try calling.

"Your child's welfare and safety is our priority," a message on its website said.

"This includes contacting your child/ren via email or phone. Your assistance and cooperation are appreciated at this time."

Earlier today, a staff member of Oma Rāpeti Early Learning Centre said they had brought all the children inside after hearing something was happening nearby.

Police were also seen at The Secret Garden pre-school in Huapai, with police tape put up across its fence.

A police operation is underway is Kumeu-Huapai, north-west Auckland with officers at The Secret Garden preschool.

Photo: Nick Monro/RNZ