Updated 3:38pm: A law expert believes the parents of the St Bede's rowing pair weren't prepared for the public backlash that followed their intervention in the school's attempt to discipline them.

The parents have dropped legal action against the college, after they won a High Court injunction to keep the boys at the Maadi Cup regatta.

A statement from the lawyer for the St Bede's College board of trustees said a substantive claim will not be pursued by the parents of Jack Bell and Jordan Kennedy.

 

The Board of Trustees has also agreed not to seek costs from the families.

University of Canterbury Law professor Ursula Cheer says the court action received a lot of scrutiny, which no one was prepared for.

Lawyer for the school's board Garth Gallaway of Chapman Tripp said it was not disputed by the students of the parents that the boys breached security by riding a baggage carousel into a secure area.

"The school has been very clear with me as legal counsel that a resolution to the legal proceedings was important as the reaction and intense public scrutiny was in all likelihood not anticipated by the families and the families remain part of the St Bede's community," Mr Gallaway said.

The board has also, at the request of legal counsel for the parents, agreed not to seek costs.

Board chairman Warren Johnstone says this was all given serious consideration before an agreement was reached late yesterday.

"In terms of costs, the board made this decision as this matter should not be about money but rather about what behaviour is expected and what the consequences need to be when situations such as these arise.

"What happened at Auckland Airport is extremely serious and is about the safety and security of everyone who passes through an airport.

"There are some other behaviour matters that have arisen either directly or indirectly as a result of this overall situation that are being taken very seriously and will also now to be considered and addressed.

"This may take some time to ensure everyone is heard and that the management practices of the school relating to behaviour are able to continue as parents expect."

Mr Johnstone said the public was not aware of many factors the board has had to weigh up and the situation had been extremely challenging and complex.

The school has put in place reintegration plans for the students, who returned to school on Monday, and support plans for any students or staff who may need it.

The statement said extra relief staff were also in place this week to ensure that St Bede's staff had time to provide support and guidance to students who may need this and to their colleagues.

The board and school rector were also working together to look at how they ensure there is not a repeat of this situation.

The row was sparked after the two boys were caught riding on the baggage conveyor at the Jetstar carousel in the arrivals hall at Auckland Airport's domestic terminal.

The pair were given formal warnings by police and the Aviation Security Service after the prank shortly after arriving on a domestic flight from Christchurch.