20 Sep 2024

Fleeing driver ploughs through Waikanae school grounds

2:08 pm on 20 September 2024
Damage at Kapakapanui School in Waikanae after a driver fleeing police ploughed through the grounds.

Damage at Kapakapanui School in Waikanae after a driver fleeing police ploughed through the grounds. Photo: Kapakapanui School / supplied

A school in the lower North Island says all its students are safe after a driver fleeing police ploughed through its grounds.

In a post on social media, Kapakapanui School in Waikanae said the vehicle "crashed through our front gates in an attempt to evade the police" on Friday.

"The car continued across the school field and turf and crashed through our rear fence then continued. All children were inside at the time and remained inside."

Damage at Kapakapanui School in Waikanae after a driver fleeing police ploughed through the grounds.

Damage at Kapakapanui School in Waikanae after a driver fleeing police ploughed through the grounds. Photo: Kapakapanui School / supplied

Photographs uploaded by the school showed a broken fence and gate.

The police said a man has been taken into custody after a vehicle was seen being driven erratically in Waikanae around 11am.

The vehicle collided into the Kapakapanui School security gates and a fence, before the vehicle left the scene.

Police located the vehicle shortly after and the driver was taken in to custody.

There were no injuries to any students or teachers at the school, and enquiries are continuing.

Damage at Kapakapanui School in Waikanae after a driver fleeing police ploughed through the grounds.

Damage at Kapakapanui School in Waikanae after a driver fleeing police ploughed through the grounds. Photo: Kapakapanui School / supplied