Security guards are posted outside Whangārei Boys' High School as tensions rise following the death of a student at nearby caves.
A body was found late on Tuesday evening in the search for the student after earlier reports the group of 17 from the school got into trouble in Abbey Caves during severe weather.
In a statement on Wednesday morning, Northland District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill said while formal identification of the body is yet to take place, police are ensuring the family is being offered support and their thoughts remain with them.
The family told Newshub they're deeply grateful for the help and support from search and rescuers and they wish for their privacy to be respected.
The death has caused uproar in the community, with the parent of one year 12 student who attends Whangārei Boys' High School saying those responsible for organising the caving trip need to be "held to account".
"They had the weather warnings and the weather was horrible before they entered the cave," the email they sent to AM said. "All of us locals know you do not go near these caves in any rain. Anyone at the school including the principal will need to answer some serious questions."
Following the student's death, security guards are posted outside the school because there are "a lot of upset people".
"In light of these events, we have taken extra precautions to ensure the safety of staff and students," Northern Districts Security told Newshub in a statement.
"We have implemented security measures on-site and are working closely with police to ensure that the school remains a safe and secure place for everyone."
They said their thoughts are with those affected by the tragedy and they are there to offer their support in any way they can.
WorkSafe has opened an investigation into the incident, but was unable to comment further.
Whangārei Boys' High School principal Karen Gilbert-Smith told Newshub in a statement their "thoughts and aroha" are with the whānau and the students, even more so now that a body has been recovered.
"It is really important for me to let you know how devastated we are that one of our whānau have lost a much loved, and treasured, son and brother," she said.
"The impact of this tragedy is being felt widely amongst our school staff, students and community.
"I realise that people have lots of questions but I simply am not in a position to provide answers at this early stage out of respect for the whānau."
Further to that, Gilbert-Smith said they want to allow an investigation involving police and WorkSafe to be completed.
"Meantime, and as I also said yesterday, the school is continuing to operate as normal as possible and continue to focus on supporting all whānau, staff and students impacted by this event - along with the wider school community, with assistance from iwi and appropriate agencies," she said.
"Again, I have asked the WBHS community to stay united and provide support where required."
Education Minister Jan Tinetti has indicated action could be taken to ensure a tragedy similar to this doesn't happen again. She told AM she'd be talking to officials on Wednesday and there are "lots of questions" to be answered.
A Givealittle page has been set up to help support the boy's whānau.
