Auckland’s Wesley College, the country’s oldest school, is facing mounting scrutiny after the Ministry of Education ordered the closure of its boarding hostels in November following reports of “harmful” incidents impacting student safety. The situation has spiraled to include allegations of unauthorized ceremonies and staff suspensions, raising serious questions about oversight at the institution.
Hostel Closures and Exorcism Claims Rock Historic School
The boarding facilities at Wesley College were shuttered amid concerns for student well-being, triggering a wider investigation into practices at the school.
- The Ministry of Education intervened at Wesley College after receiving reports of serious safety concerns.
- Two staff members have been suspended while authorities investigate allegations of inappropriate ceremonies.
- Concerns center around Pentecostal-like practices conducted in darkened rooms without parental knowledge.
- Six other Auckland schools are currently receiving assistance from the government to improve standards.
What prompted the Ministry of Education’s intervention at Wesley College? The Ministry acted after receiving reports of serious and “harmful” incidents related to student safety at the school’s boarding hostels, leading to the suspension of the school’s boarding license.
The Ministry of Education has been contacted for further comment.
Separate investigations revealed that two Wesley College staff members were suspended last month due to concerns surrounding Pentecostal-like ceremonies held in darkened rooms without parental consent. A complainant shared images allegedly depicting staff “laying hands” on students during these “prayer classes,” where young people were reportedly encouraged to help rid classmates of “dark forces” and taught to “speak in tongues.”
Te Aroha Rountree, president of the Methodist Church, expressed shock upon learning of the allegations in November from the whistleblower. The school, located on Auckland’s southern border, had already been under increased observation towards the end of 2025 regarding its boarding facilities.
This situation unfolds as other Auckland schools are also receiving government intervention to raise standards. Earlier this month, it was reported that Tangaroa College and Ferguson Intermediate were among six schools in the Auckland region receiving assistance from Limited Statutory Managers.
