A statutory manager has been appointed to the board of an embattled Auckland school ordered to close its hostels due to student safety concerns.

Deputy Secretary of Education Isabel Evans today ordered the appointment of a limited statutory manager (LSM) to the board of Wesley College, which also launched a separate probe last year into claims “deliverance and exorcism” rituals were performed to rid students of “demonic serpents”.

The LSM, according to an official notice, will take over the board’s abilities to employ staff, establish policies and procedures and manage communications.

They may also advise the Wesley College board on its functions, powers and duties relating to the health and safety of students and staff.

The Ministry of Education has been contacted for further comment.

The school, on Auckland’s southern border, was subjected to heightened scrutiny towards the end of 2025 over its boarding hostels.

Wesley College is on Auckland's southern border. Photo / File

The Ministry of Education, in November, ordered Wesley - the country’s oldest school - to close its hostels after serious and “harmful” incidents related to student safety.

The ministry also suspended the school’s boarding licence at the time.

Separately, the Herald reported last month that two staff members at Wesley College have been suspended amid concerns Pentecostal-like ceremonies in darkened rooms without parental consent.

A complainant from the school provided images of the “prayer classes” which they said showed staff “laying hands” on students. It’s alleged the young people were encouraged to help rid fellow students of dark forces and taught to “speak in tongues”.

Methodist Church president Te Aroha Rountree told the Herald she was shocked to learn of the exorcism allegations, which she became aware of in November, from the whistleblower.

The Herald revealed earlier this month six other schools in the Auckland region have LSMs assisting their boards to raise standards.

Lane Nichols is Auckland desk editor for the New Zealand Herald with more than 20 years’ experience in the industry.