A former staff member of Papanui High School has been arrested and is currently in custody.

In an email sent to parents, Board of Trustees Presiding Member Alison Arrow said, “The former staff member of Papanui High School has been charged with a criminal offence and is currently in custody.”

“As the matter is before the courts and the person concerned has name suppression, we are unable to share any further information,” she said.

“We would like to assure staff, parents, and students that the alleged criminal offence is not related to any students or other staff members at Papanui High School.”

Police said they were unable to comment.

The school said “there’s nothing else to add.”