The Principals Federation has called for its members to defy a directive that forces them to enrol students kicked out of other schools for violence.
Federation boss Perry Rush says schools aren't getting the help they need to safely include violent children in their classrooms.
The Ministry of Education has expressed concern at the principals' defiance, saying every young person has the right to an education.
Echoing that is the Children's Commissioner, Judge Andrew Becroft.
He spoke to Corin Dann.