Anyone 16 years old and over can apply for a firearms licence, although those aged 16 to 18 make up only 0.85% of all New Zealanders who hold licences.
It is understood police received complaints about the student in August – the same month the school became aware of the allegations.
Its principal told the Herald the school had taken “appropriate” action over the matter.
“We take any concerns regarding student safety and wellbeing very seriously, and act promptly when issues are brought to our attention, whether they have taken place at school or online,” the principal told the Herald.
The Herald understands the student has been barred from entering his school campus, although the principal didn’t confirm this.
“While we are unable to provide details about individual students or specific disciplinary matters, we can confirm that appropriate action has been taken in accordance with our policies and our commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment,” the principal said.
It is unclear whether the student has been suspended or expelled. The principal noted privacy obligations when responding to questions from the Herald about the action the school had taken.
Unlike public schools, private schools determine their own disciplinary processes.
Private schools are not required to follow legislation that covers state schools, and Education Ministry data shows private schools suspend at lower rates than public ones.
Any student over the age of 16 can be expelled, meaning they are permanently removed from their school.
The ministry’s website says expulsion is reserved for the “most serious cases” and should be considered a “last resort”.
The principal said the school conducted a “full and thorough investigation”.
“We can confirm that as soon as the matter in question was brought to [the school’s] attention, the school immediately acted to first address any safety concerns relating to other students, as well as address the behaviour at issue.”
He said the school had a “zero tolerance” approach to bullying, threatening behaviour or violence.
A member of the school community who was aware of the allegations questioned whether the college had acted strongly enough.
The person believed threats from the student had been an “ongoing problem” at the school.
“It is shocking, and the school needs to get this sorted properly,” they told the Herald.
The source said students at the school had been discussing the threats, but the school had not disclosed precisely what action it had taken.
“We have not been informed or told exactly what has happened. I think the school needs to inform the community.”
The principal said the school’s pastoral team was working with “relevant authorities and external agencies”, and “established processes” were being followed to protect the children and young people in their care.
“Privacy obligations prevent us from commenting further on any individual students or specific disciplinary matters.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Kirk from Auckland City CIB told the Herald: “Our Youth Aid team are dealing with a matter where messages of a threatening nature were sent to another student via social media in August.
“Police attended this matter with urgency and have taken immediate steps to mitigate any risks of further offending.
“Youth Aid are dealing with this case as per the youth principles laid out in the Oranga Tamariki Act.
“The team have dealt directly with the youth and his family to ensure they understand the effect these threats have had on the victim. Police have been keeping the victim updated.
“As part of this process, we have been in communication with the school to ensure measures are in place so the victim feels safe.
“Regarding the threats, Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand were notified.
“While there are privacy considerations, we can reassure the school community that appropriate action has been taken to remove any further risk in this case with the youth concerned.”
Michael Morrah is a senior investigative reporter/team leader at the Herald. He won the Best Coverage of a Major News Event at the 2024 Voyager NZ Media Awards and has twice been named Reporter of the Year. He has been a broadcast journalist for 20 years and joined the Herald’s video team in July 2024.