The Human Rights Commission has been drawn in to a stand-off between a Christchurch school and a student who refuses to shave.

A Hornby High School teenager remains off school for breaking a clean-shaven rule.

The Human Rights Commission will act as a mediator between the school, the boy and his family.

A spokesperson for the commission acknowledges the school's been made aware of the process, however no further comment can be made at this time.

When contacted Hornby high school principal Richard Edmundson told Newstalk ZB it's an issue for the people involved, and he wouldn't be entering into any public discussion on the matter.