A Pacific Christian School run by the Tokaikolo Christian Church’s Education system in South Auckland will be closed down in two-weeks time by New Zealand’s Ministry of Education.

The New Zealand Herald reported that it was revealed the principal was not a registered teacher.. 

The school which caters to mainly Tongan students will be closed in two-weeks after teachers were also found to be hitting children.

Last year, an 11-year-old student reportedly stabbed another in the head with scissors and police and social workers investigated the serious incident.

A special report by the Education Review office released to the Herald showed that as well as concerns about safety and the standard of tuition, there were also concerns about staffing.

The report stated that principal Lisita Paongo had previously acted as the school manager but now held a Limited Authority To Teach (LAT). A LAT allows a person who cannot be registered and certified to be employed in a teaching position in a specified situation temporarily. It is not a form of registration or practicing certificate.

Some of the teachers came from secondary backgrounds, which did not always fit with primary learners. Few had recent qualifications.

New Zealand's Deputy Secretary of Sector Enablement and Support, Katrina Casey, said this was the fist time the Ministry of Education had suspended a private school’s registration.

"We have met with the school a number of times, but they have not provided us with any assurances to change our view that the children at this school are at risk. That can't be allowed to continue."

A special review from the Education Office Review Report found concerns including the quality of teaching and learning and the welfare of students.

The Ministry had been working with police and child, youth and family. The agencies completed investigations into allegations of physical discipline that followed the incident last year.

Ms Casey said police have advised them that four teachers had been formally warned over their actions and that they have advised the Education Council of their investigation.

“While all of those investigations have been carried out, the Ministry have been watching the school very closely and we would have acted immediately if required.”

The suspension of the school’s registration will come into effect from 25 September.

A team of Tongan speaking staff will be working alongside the families to make sure the 70 students are enrolled at new schools at the start of term four.

The school situated in Mangere, South Auckland is a private Year 1 to 8 of primary and intermediate years co-educational school consisting of Pacific students, mostly Tongans.

Meanwhile, the Tokaikolo Education office in Nuku’alofa today confirmed they operate the school. The church executive were not available for comment.