Papanui Police, Christchurch, are investigating a serious assault that took place in Merivale near McDonalds in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Detective Senior Sergeant Virginia Le Bas says that it involved a large number of high school age students and recent leavers who had previously been at parties around the city and ended up congregating in Merivale near McDonalds on Papanui Road.
A young high school age male has suffered head injuries and admitted to hospital.
"He is still in hospital, where his condition in being assessed," she says.
One 19 year old male has been arrested and charged with assault. He will appear in court this week, further charges are likely.
"We still have further inquiries to complete and have already spoken to a large number of young people," says DSS Le Bas.
Anyone with information not already passed to police is asked to contact Detective Vaughn Sweetman, Papanui Police.
Superintendent Dave Cliff says that with the high school year starting again this week it is timely to remind students and parents how parties can get out of hand and incidents arise.
"Parties should be planned and guest lists kept," he says. "Parents should communicate with each other and know where their children are and what they are doing.
The single biggest risk comes from the problem of drinking too much. We are particularly asking parents to stand up and be counted and take responsibility for looking after their kids and ensuring alcohol is consumed in moderation."