North Shore Police are investigating a suspected arson at the Intermediate School, in Lake Road, Northcote, earlier today.
Detective Sergeant Kim Libby of the Takapuna CIB says that at about 3.58am this morning, a local resident noticed a classroom on fire and called the Fire Service.
"The fire which was in an end classroom, in a block of three, has caused extensive damage to the classroom. The one next to it has smoke and water damage," he said.
"The school is operational. The third classroom in the block is still being used to teach the school's pupils."
"A scene examination and forensic test is being carried out. The fire is regarded as suspicious, and appears to have been deliberately started at the western end of the block," Detective Sergeant Libby said.
"CIB investigators would like to hear from anyone who may know the identity and whereabouts of a man who was seen in the locality at the time of the fire."
"He is described as a male caucasian, [age is unknown,] height is about 170 cm tall, with sandy coloured hair. He was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, and light coloured track pants."
Anyone with information is asked to call Takapuna CIB at telephone [488 6200]