Armed police guard New Plymouth school as threat sparks lockdown

Armed police are at New Plymouth Boys’ High and the school has been placed in lockdown after reports of a threat. 

Several police cars and armed officers can be seen stationed at gates, blocking different entries and exits into the college. 

Boys can be seen in their classrooms as they continue the lockdown which is now into its third hour. 

Some parents have started to gather outside the school as the incident continues. 

However, the school is advising parents on its website to not to contact their sons, or to phone the school or enter its grounds. 

A rolling banner says they intend updating the website when the lockdown was over. 

A police spokesperson said they first received reports just before 10am and the school went into a precautionary lockdown. 

They were working to determine the veracity of the theat. 

The first NCEA exams of 2026 are scheduled for this morning, including Level 1 mathematics and statistics and Level 2 Geography. 

The school and Ministry of Education has been approached for comment. 

More to come ...