Key Takeaways
- The Bangerz Education and Wellbeing Trust is under investigation for allegedly attempting to illegally access the Kelston Boys High School computer network.
- The trust had previously made headlines for its takeover bid to convert the school into a charter school, which was withdrawn due to public opposition.
- It is alleged that a 20-year-old member connected to the trust used an existing student’s login to obtain access to the student portal and gain sensitive information.
- The school had received several requests from the trust to access the school’s electoral roll, which were denied or restricted due to concerns about the trust’s intentions.
Introduction to the Allegations
The Bangerz Education and Wellbeing Trust is facing allegations of attempting to illegally access the Kelston Boys High School computer network. This comes after the trust had previously made headlines for its takeover bid to convert the school into a charter school, which was withdrawn due to public opposition. Former and current senior staff at the school have come forward to reveal that a complaint was filed with the police in August regarding the trust’s alleged actions. According to the allegations, a 20-year-old member connected to the trust used an existing student’s login to obtain access to the student portal, with the intention of gaining sensitive information such as the school roll and students’ contact email addresses.
The Investigation
Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting has confirmed that a complaint has been lodged and that the matter is under investigation. However, he was unable to comment further on the specifics of the case at this time. The trust has denied any knowledge of the complaint and claims to have never been contacted by the police about the matter. Despite this, documents obtained by 1News show that the trust’s chairperson, James Cherrington-Thomas, had requested access to the school’s electoral roll on several occasions. The school had allowed the trust to view the electoral roll, but only to check for names, and not to take any notes or information from it.
The Trust’s Motivations
The trust’s motivations for attempting to access the school’s computer network and electoral roll are unclear. However, it is alleged that the trust was seeking to gain sensitive information about the school’s students and their families. The trust had previously requested access to the school’s electoral roll, which is legally required to be available for inspection at the school at any reasonable time before election day. However, the school had restricted access to the roll, only allowing the trust to check for names, and not to take any notes or information from it. The trust had claimed that this restriction would hinder their ability to campaign for the school’s board elections, and had threatened to deliver pamphlets to all houses in the school’s zone, rather than just to parents of students.
The School’s Response
The school has declined to comment on the allegations, but it is clear that they had taken steps to protect their students’ sensitive information. The school had sought advice from Schooled, an organisation that provides governance and elections support to schools, and the NZ School Boards Association. The school’s election was held in September, and resulted in one representative connected to the Bangerz Trust, Sione Lisala, being elected to the board. The trust’s bid to take over the school was withdrawn in October, due to strong public opposition.
The Trust’s Background
The Bangerz Education and Wellbeing Trust has a controversial history, with several of its key members having been involved in scandals in the past. Rhys Cullen, one of the trust’s main tutors, has a criminal record and had his licence removed as a GP in 2007 due to professional misconduct. The trust’s chairperson, James Cherrington-Thomas, has also been involved in several high-profile controversies. Despite this, the trust has continued to operate and has been involved in several high-profile campaigns, including the bid to take over Kelston Boys High School.
Conclusion
The allegations against the Bangerz Education and Wellbeing Trust are serious and raise concerns about the trust’s intentions and motivations. The investigation into the trust’s alleged actions is ongoing, and it is unclear what the outcome will be. However, it is clear that the school has taken steps to protect its students’ sensitive information, and that the trust’s actions have been met with widespread criticism and opposition. As the investigation continues, it is likely that more information will come to light about the trust’s activities and motivations, and it is unclear what the consequences will be for the trust and its members.
