A student is unaccounted for – believed to have been swept away by floodwaters at Abbey Caves in Whangārei.
Stuff understands the year 11 Whangārei Boys High School student and at least 14 of his classmate were on an outdoor education school trip at the caves, on Abbey Caves Rd, on Tuesday.
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A relative of the boy has asked the community for “prayers” on social media, as he was “lost” in the caves, they said.
It was reported they were in difficulty about 10.35am, Northland district commander Superintendent Tony Hill said.
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“A group of people have since made it out safely, however, one student is currently unaccounted for. We have Police Search and Rescue and USAR crews responding to the area.
“The incident is still very much developing and we will provide further updates as they become available.”
Hill said his thoughts were with the whānau of the missing child as well as those involved in the group outing and the school.
Susan Edmunds/Stuff
Abbey Caves Rd had been blocked off by police following the incident.
Police advised the public to pay close attention to weather forecasts and emergency management updates given the current weather conditions across the district.
A heavy rain warning had been in place for Northland since 9am, according to MetService.
According to the Whangārei Boys High School’s calendar, a year 11 outdoor education group were scheduled to go to the caves today.
The course costs $250 which covers high quality gear and experienced, qualified staff, according to the school website.
The school’s standard operating procedures, posted on its website, stated the teacher in charge of the trip would check the weather periodically during the days leading up to a school trip.
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School students were at Abbey Caves for a school trip.
“On the morning of the trip they do a final weather check so they can make an informed decision whether the weather is suitable for the trip.
“Local radio broadcasts, and the New Zealand Transport Agency website will be used when heavy rain may cause road closures but the safety of the activity is not compromised.”
Stuff understands at least 15 students from the school were at the caves. They were accompanied by two adults, including at least one teacher.
Whangārei Boys High School would not comment, nor would the school’s principal.
According to the Whangārei District Council website, the Abbey Caves are prone to flash flooding. It suggests people check the weather forecast before visiting.
Some in the community have been critical of the school’s decision to visit the caves when heavy rain was forecast.
One local resident who lives not far from the caves said you have to be careful “even on a good day”.
“It is completely irresponsible of the school to not have postponed the trip. I just can’t believe it.”
The woman said MetService had been warning there was heavy rain coming for days and today’s incident made her feel “sick to the stomach”.
Whangārei District Council, who manage Abbey Caves also would not comment at this stage.
