Transport Minister Simeon Brown is calling for an investigation after a schoolboy was assaulted on a bus in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland last week.
Jason, 16, was on the bus route from Howick to Auckland City at about 9:15am on Friday, when witnesses said a woman attacked him with a metal rod, knocking out five of his teeth.
The attack happened on Pakuranga Rd as the bus was approaching Panmure Station.
It's alleged it was a racially motivated attack, leaving the boy "covered in blood" and "shivering in pain", one witness said.
The teen and his parents met with Brown and National MP Nancy Lu on Wednesday. The family told the two MPs they wanted improved safety on public transport.
"I feel very fearful when I step on the bus," Jason said, explaining his tall frame allowed him to somewhat protect himself.
Jason now said he's scared to catch public transport but is thankful for the elderly man that stepped in to help diffuse the situation.
But the bus driver didn't do anything to help, he added.
"Hopefully, next time when things like this happen around you, please offer help," Jason said.
Brown, who's also the local MP for Pakuranga, said he was getting advice on whether Auckland Transport (AT) staff followed normal procedures.
"It seems to me… the bus driver's priority was continuing his route," Brown said.
"We don't want this happening again."
Meanwhile, Lu said the attack was "horrific", but the Chinese community had wrapped support around Jason.
"It's not just about a Chinese boy… it’s everyone in New Zealand," she said.
Lu said she'd been helping his family contact Government agencies for help, while Brown noted his electorate office would also assist the family.
Jason said AT hadn't yet been in touch despite suffering a serious facial injury.
He claimed the bus driver only got out of his seat to clean the blood and later told him to get off the bus because he had to pick up more passengers.
Jason's mum said she's concerned about him taking public transport in future.
An AT spokesperson said they can't comment due to the ongoing police investigation.
On Monday, acting Det Snr Sgt James Mapp said the unidentified woman's "unprovoked assault" on the teen with an "object" left him with serious facial injuries.
She fled the bus before police got to the scene, he said.
"We understand the fear and concern events like this inflict on the community and we will continue to pursue every lead to hold this person to account."
The woman responsible is still being sought by the police.
