Source: New Zealand Police
Police have referred two youths to Youth Aid Services following a large hedge fire at an Oamaru secondary school on Tuesday 9 June.
Emergency services were initially called to a fire involving a line of trees between Virgil Street and Waitaki Avenue at around 9am.
Police determined the fire was suspicious.
Waitaki District Detective Sergeant Rory McGeown says enquiries subsequently identified those responsible.
“Our investigation has established the involvement of two youths, who will now be dealt with through the Youth Aid process,” he says.
“Fire can cause serious damage very quickly, and it’s fortunate no one was injured in this incident.”
Police would like to thank members of the public who came forward with information that assisted the investigation.
“We appreciate the assistance from the community, which was instrumental in helping us resolve this matter,” Detective Sergeant McGeown says.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/15/police-thank-community-for-school-fire-assistance/