Wesley College Auckland hostels ordered to close Friday over student safety concerns
Wesley College principal Brian Evans announced on Facebook on Monday (November 3) that the ministry had notified the school of the mandatory “partial closure” of hostels on Friday (October 31). The school previously announced in October that it would close hostels at the end of term four due to “ongoing concerns” about student safety and hostel culture.
A ministry spokesman said “some improvements” had been made since special conditions were imposed on the hostel’s license in April, but other “serious incidents” had also occurred.
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“These incidents have highlighted persistent issues with student safety, staff supervision and the boarding house’s ability to move away from long-standing practices that put boarders at risk,” the spokesman said.
Education Review Office recommends hostel suspension due to ongoing safety issues
The Education Review Office has recommended that Wesley College’s boarding house license be suspended after reviewing ongoing safety concerns. The ministry stated that continuing to operate the hostel “in its current form” is not in the best interest of the boarders.
To minimize disruption, boarding students with NCEA commitments will be allowed to stay in Wesley College hostel until exams are completed. International students can stay until the end of the semester. All other boarders must vacate the hostel by Friday.
“The Ministry remains focused on ensuring all boarding students are safe and supported and will continue to work closely with schools and families to manage this transition,” the department said. he said.
Evans said the school has met with ministry officials to discuss the closure and will provide more information to the school community. He confirmed that the closure did not affect students sitting NCEA exams.
School board chairman Jan Tasker told Stuff they were “seeking urgent legal advice regarding the steps taken by the Ministry”.
Wesley College faces past abuse allegations and student safety investigations
Wesley College has faced allegations of misconduct in recent years as Oranga Tamariki conducted an investigation and the Education Review Office conducted a “special review” of the Auckland school.
Reports revealed that 10 students left Wesley College in 2022 after experiencing bullying, violence and harassment in 2023. The allegations included students receiving “coverings” to cover their faces before being punched, kicked and slapped by older students. Reports showed that 18 students were suspended and two were suspended during the same time period.
Police confirmed they were aware of a “small number” of incidents reported at the school over the past five years.
Police said, “We have been notified by both the school and the families of the victims in these cases. We are aware of the privacy of the young people and will not comment on the details of each matter.”
“But these issues ranged from varying degrees of assault, trespassing and bullying.”
Police said these matters were dealt with “appropriately” through police action or internal processes.
Auckland School Board plans comprehensive review of boarding house operations
When announcing the temporary closure in October, Wesley College’s board of directors noted that although “significant” progress had been made, including improved supervision, safeguards and upgraded facilities, they recognized that further “deep, structural change” was needed.
During the proposed temporary closure, Wesley College said it would undertake a “thorough review” of its hostel operations, including culture, staffing, security and infrastructure. The school said its aim is to ensure hostels provide a “safe, inclusive and values-based environment” when they reopen.
Founded in 1844, Wesley College describes itself as New Zealand’s oldest registered school. The private character school is affiliated with the Methodist Church of New Zealand.
