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Firefighters have successfully contained a major fire at Taupo-nui-a-Tia College, though more than 1,100 students will be unable to start their school year tomorrow after the blaze damaged the school's N block this afternoon.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson confirmed that crews have stopped the fire spreading to neighbouring structures.
"Multiple volunteer and career crews from Lake Taupō, Taupō, Kinloch, Rotorua, Tokoroa, Greerton, Tauranga, Turangi, and Kaingaroa are responding," the spokesperson said.
"Firefighters were able to stop the fire spreading to neighbouring structures. Crews have multiple hose lines set up and are attacking the fire externally from all sides of the building."
The college posted a statement on its Facebook page confirming the closure: "School will be closed Monday 9 February as a result of the N block fire. Please do not come onsite."
Taupō District Mayor John Funnell described the timing as devastating for the school community.
"Indeed, it is terrible. It's Sunday afternoon before school starts for the year. And I understand a little bit over 1,100 students will be impacted tomorrow," he said.
"From what I saw when I biked past, there's quite a bit of devastation to a number of the buildings there. So it is going to have a lasting impact."
Mayor Funnell said the council is offering assistance where possible, though the college is still assessing the full extent of the damage.
Taupō District Council has urged the public to avoid the area while emergency services continue their response. Traffic management and cordons have been put in place near the school, and motorists are being asked to take alternative routes rather than driving past the school on Spa Road.
