A Northland principal has been caught up in a meth and firearms bust after a police raid on her home.
After a string of burglaries in the area, police carried out a search warrant in January at the house Waipū Primary School leader Jo Brown rented.
It revealed a significant quantity of methamphetamine and cannabis, firearms, and stolen jewellery and electronics.
"At the property, Police recovered a number of items, including jewellery and firearms, that were connected to four burglaries in the Waipū area," a police spokesperson told Newshub.
"A large amount of methamphetamine was also located at the scene."
Four people have been arrested on a number of burglary, firearm and drug-related charges - including one person believed to be Ms Brown's former flatmate, Christopher Ngarino.
According to NZME, he had been living with Ms Brown for 18 months while she helped him with his health issues.
Ms Brown was overseas at the time of the search, and has not been arrested or charged.
In an open letter to her school's community, Ms Brown said she had no idea her home had been being used for criminal behaviour and was not longer in contact with the accused.
"I love my job and am dedicated to Waipū Primary School," she wrote, according to NZME.
''This is a personal matter and I do not wish it to affect the school in any way, shape or form. I can provide an assurance that I no longer have any connections to this person.''
Ms Brown is now "working offsite" and Waipū School's Board of Trustees chairwoman Catherine Munro says the school is working through the situation.
''We are working closely with the Ministry of Education and New Zealand School Trustees Association (NZTA) to ensure that we handle this matter in line with best practice, follow due process and ensure all matters are dealt with legally and within policy requirements,'' she told NZME.
"While we work through it, Jo Brown is working offsite and our DP is acting principal.
''Our school has had wonderful staff, parent and community support and this is ensuring there is no impact on students.''
Police say they are unable to comment further.
Newshub.
