An Auckland primary is starting the school year with tens of thousands of dollars in damage after being hit in an act of "extensive vandalism".
In a post shared to Facebook, Snells Beach School said the grounds and buildings were attacked on Saturday afternoon, with two of its classroom blocks and the library courtyard the worst affected.
Televisions and iPads were smashed, a high jump mat was slashed, windows were broken and fire extinguishers were discharged throughout classrooms, causing widespread damage.
Snells Beach school Principal Kathryn Ramel said the replacement and repair costs would run into "tens and thousands of dollars".
"While much of this will be covered by insurance, there will still be a considerable cost to the school," she said.
Ramel confirmed those involved were local teenagers but had never attended either Snells Beach School or the neighbouring Horizon School.
Students returning for the new term would notice temporary repairs, with some windows in its Kahikatea Block covered with plywood while custom safety glass was manufactured and installed.
Ramel thanked members of the local community and staff who helped secure and clean the school following the incident.
"This is the first time we have experienced anything like this," she said.
"It has been upsetting and demoralising, and we look forward to putting it behind us as we welcome our students back."
Police have since identified the offenders and were dealing with the matter, the school said.
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