The chairman of the board of a distinguished private school has defended its silence on workplace bullying allegations, saying "legal obligations" kept it from disclosing more information.
The headmaster and deputy principal of St Peter's School, Dale Burden and Yevette Williams, have been notably absent from the private school in Cambridge since the school's April break.
The husband and wife's disappearance caused much speculation on which the school remained tight-lipped until Thursday.
St Peter's School board of trustees John Erkkila confirmed to Newshub that in term one, WorkSafe received "concerning" allegations of workplace bullying at the school.
"Following a meeting with WorkSafe, we worked to understand the best course of action and the board engaged two independent investigators," he said.
"Those investigators have sought to understand what may or may not have occurred. Those investigations are not yet complete, but I want you to understand that this issue is being taken incredibly seriously."
Erkkila defended the tight-lipped approach to the senior leadership's disappearance, saying although he acknowledged there had not been enough communication to parents and caregivers, the Board has "legal obligations".
"For that reason, it has been a difficult environment to navigate. But I also recognise the need to be open as possible with our school community is important."
He assured parents the wellbeing of "the school community" is of utmost importance.
According to Stuff, Erikkla said students have been told to be "careful" about what they say to people.
"It is human nature to wonder and speculate when there are question marks over a situation. But it's also important that we are mindful of what we say and that we are respectful of people's privacy."
A letter to parents and caregivers from the school's director of advancement Sharon Roux reiterated the school is "working tirelessly" to understand what has been happening in the workplace.
"We would also like to reiterate that no student-related wellbeing matters are involved in the workplace investigation."
WorkSafe confirmed it is making inquiries over staff wellbeing but has not yet launched a formal investigation.
Burden became the principal of St Peter's in 2016 after a decade as headmaster at Mount Albert Grammar School - where he at times caused controversy.
In 2013, Burden began random drug testing of students caught smoking marijuana, and also made headlines for a bizarre email he sent to parents about student body odour.
