Staff member 'under impression he was engaging with a minor'
A staff member at King's College has resigned after acknowledging his involvement in an "inappropriate online activity," according to reports.
The private school's headmaster, Simon Lamb, and the chair of its school board of governors, Shan Wilson, announced the male staff member's departure in an email to parents this week, the New Zealand Herald reported.
The letter read that the male staffer "acknowledged being involved in inappropriate online activity, where he was under the impression that he was engaging with a minor."
"The staff member has resigned today with immediate effect," the statement said as quoted by Radio New Zealand.
The school officials clarified that the inappropriate activity did not involve any King's College student, and it was also the first time that they had been informed of the employee's behaviour.
Despite this, the school officials urged parents to talk to their children regarding the news.
"The college takes matters such as this extremely seriously," the statement read as quoted by the Herald. "As a priority, we need to understand whether any of our students have any concerns they wish to raise with us as a result of this information, and we will ensure they have the necessary support."
"We would be grateful if you could take the opportunity tonight to talk with your child about any concerns they may have in light of this information."
The New Zealand Police said an investigation into the case is underway, according to a separate report from the New Zealand Herald.
"Given the nature of the complaint and the early stages of the investigation, police are unable to comment further at this time," the agency said in a statement.
