By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission
A threatening email to an Auckland schools reinforces the error of the Government’s recent decisions, the Federation of Islamic Associations (FIANZ) says.
Photo: Supplied / Google Maps
Al-Madinah School and Zayed College, both on Westney Road in Māngere, were in lockdown after being sent an email with a threatening video.
A third Auckland Islamic school, Iqra primary school in New Lynn, was not in lockdown but was on restricted access Monday after the threat to Al-Madinah.
Al-Madinah Assistant Principal Amjad Ali told RNZ a video was sent to the school’s principal at 11pm on Sunday.
It featured a man showing guns in a car and randomly shooting, he said.
It wasn’t filmed at the school, but police recommended going into lockdown.
Zayed College for Girls. Photo: Supplied / Google Maps
The Federation of Islamic Associations (FIANZ) said it was particularly concerned about the well-being and trauma of the students, staff, parents and wider community.
The threat could have been made to a church, synagogue, community centre, women’s refuge, or shopping centre, the organisation said in a statement.
It reinforced their concerns about recent political decisions regarding the recommendations of the Royal Commission into the mosque terrorist attacks.
“We urge the Right Honourable Prime Minister to reconsider the decision of his Lead Coordination Minister regarding the most important recommendation of the Royal Commission: to establish a dedicated and purpose-specific national security agency.
“Threats like this demonstrate why we need to have a strategic approach for our national security.”
The group also queried withdrawal from other Royal Commission recommendations, the “vitriol” around firearms reform, and the need to teach young people how to identify and counter disinformation.
Schools take caution
Al-Madinah school was advising students to stay at home and it would be in lockdown until further notice.
The state integrated area school has primary and secondary age pupils from Year 1-13.
Zayed College said on its website that it was also closed Monday as a matter of caution following the threat to Al-Madinah.
It initially went into lockdown, but all staff and students had since safely left the school, commissioner Linley Myers said.
“A very big thanks to the staff involved for their calm and responsive support.
“I will update you later today on plans for tomorrow when we know more,” Myers said.
Zayed College said it was the first Islamic College for girls in New Zealand, it was a state integrated special character Islamic secondary school for girls Year 7 – 13.
Police said they were notified of the email at 7.15am Monday.
They were investigating the email “of a concerning nature” sent to staff at Al Madinah School.
“Police are in attendance at Al Madinah School and enquiries are under way to determine the circumstances surrounding the email.”
Iqra School. Photo: Supplied / Google Maps
Iqra School principal Leanne Chartrand said on the school’s website that the school was open on Monday and was not in lockdown, but did have restricted access.
“We are on alert currently in the event of an emergency due to another school in South Auckland receiving threats.
“We have very good practises in place and the staff will be on alert to ensure our children stay safe.”
Precautionary safety measures were being taken, she said.
