Hamilton Teen Stabbed in Shocking Attack Outside School

A 16-year-old boy was brutally attacked and stabbed outside Fraser High School in Hamilton, New Zealand, on Monday, October 20, 2023. The incident occurred around 12:45 p.m. as the student walked to his car parked on Waimarie Street. His mother, Lady-Joe TangataTerekia, reported that he was confronted by multiple assailants who arrived in two vehicles.

According to TangataTerekia, her son was ambushed by “two carloads of men wearing balaclavas.” She explained that six individuals attempted to abduct him, and during the struggle, he was punched in the face. “It happened so fast that he didn’t even realise he’d been stabbed,” she stated, as reported by RNZ.

The teenager suffered multiple stab wounds, including a serious injury that required surgery for a perforated colon. After spending time in the hospital, he was discharged on Friday and is now recovering at home. TangataTerekia described the emotional toll of the attack: “Just imagine if he was stabbed in the chest; it could have been instant death. I couldn’t imagine losing any of my babies; they’re my world.”

Community Shock and Ongoing Investigation

Describing her son as a gentle, soft-hearted teenager, TangataTerekia referred to him as “a big teddy bear” who is more inclined towards peace than confrontation. He had attended church school earlier that day, emphasizing his non-violent nature.

The New Zealand Police arrived shortly after the incident and are continuing to investigate the attack, which is being classified as an assault rather than an attempted kidnapping. The attack has left the TangataTerekia family deeply shaken. As a mother of 11, TangataTerekia expressed her fears for her family’s safety, even choosing to keep two of her younger children home from school. Her older sons have flown in from Australia to provide support during this distressing time.

“I feel fearful… you don’t know what the intention was,” she remarked. “Did they come to do what they needed to do?”

In a public plea shared on Facebook, TangataTerekia called on anyone with information about the incident to come forward. “If you are involved, or if you know something, please understand we are an open, loving whānau,” she wrote. “If there’s something to be sorted or a misunderstanding, we’re open to kōrero and understand.”

TangataTerekia expressed her disappointment that the attackers seemed to be from their own community. “The sad thing is it’s our own people. We’ve already gone through enough, but yet we’re trying to kill each other off,” she said. “It’s about love, about being kind, and about lifting each other as a community.”

The police have urged anyone who witnessed the assault or has relevant information to contact them immediately. As investigations continue, the family hopes for answers and a return to safety in their community.