Auckland, New Zealand – Three teenage boys, aged between 15 and 16, are facing assault charges following a violent attack on a student from Marcellin College. The incident, which occurred on February 12 in Mangere, involved 10-15 teenagers from Mangere College targeting the boy as he disembarked from a bus on Bader Drive in the area. The victim was then pursued to the car park behind McDonald’s, where he was subjected to a brutal assault, allegedly involving multiple boys punching, kicking, and stomping on him, as well as striking him with a bottle.
The attack was witnessed by a significant group of approximately 30 other teenagers who not only encouraged the violence but also filmed the incident. The victim, a junior at Marcellin College, was hospitalized due to the severity of the assault. A couple who witnessed the attack intervened, providing first aid to the injured boy and accompanying him to the hospital until his mother arrived.
Law enforcement has taken action, with the three boys charged in connection to the assault being referred to Youth Aid for accountability. Police have emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards violence, particularly in public spaces, stating that those responsible will face consequences. In response to the incident, authorities have engaged with the respective schools involved, Mangere College and Marcellin College.
Following the attack, school and community leaders have called for calm and an end to the rivalry between the two educational institutions. Staff members from Marcellin College have taken measures to ensure the safety of students, even altering bus routes to avoid dropping off students near Mangere Town Centre where the incident occurred. Community meetings involving police and the families impacted have taken place, focusing on finding resolutions and preventing further violence.
Efforts to enhance security in the area have been made, with a private security firm patrolling the affected zone for a period. Community advocate Fitz, a local business owner, has expressed a commitment to fostering unity between students from different schools in Mangere, highlighting the importance of building relationships and connections within the community. Plans are underway for Fitz to address students at both schools to promote solidarity and understanding among young people in the region.