9 Feb 2026

Taupo school closed after alleged arson

From Checkpoint, 5:14 pm on 9 February 2026

A Taupo school will be closed again tomorrow after a block of classrooms went up in smoke in an alleged arson. The blaze broke out at Taupo-nui-a Tia College on Sunday afternoon, closing surrounding roads for several hours. Two young people have been charged over the fire and are due to appear in Taupo Youth Court this week. Taupo-nui-a Tia College principal, Ben Claxton spoke to Lisa Owen.