A King's College student who died following the school ball on Saturday had been at a pre-ball party where parents served alcohol, despite the school requesting that not happen.
David Gaynor, 17, son of prominent business commentator, columnist and company director Brian Gaynor, died after being taken home, apparently in intoxicated, from the Auckland school's annual ball at the Eden Park function centre.
He was found critically injured at Greenlane Bridge, south of the central city, a short time later and rushed to Auckland Hospital, where he died.
The New Zealand Herald newspaper reported today he attended a pre-ball function organised by former Fonterra boss Craig Norgate where beer, wine and champagne was served to about 100 people, including students.
King's College headmaster Bradley Fenner said this went against advice the school gave parents.
"Our recommendation was that (the pre-ball parties) be alcohol-free, and a number of parents had done that," he told Radio New Zealand.
"Not all parents will follow that advice. If they are sensible, then they'll make sure that it's properly managed."
Mr Norgate said none of the students were intoxicated when they left in limousines for the ball.
Mr Fenner said security guards were checking students upon entry and a couple of people had been excluded on entry to the ball for intoxication.
He said David was admitted to the ball, but he wouldn't comment on reports that David was asked to leave early.
"David had been at the college ball, he had left and gone home with his father, and then subsequently this incident occurred."
Prime Minister John Key told TVNZ's Breakfast there needed to be a "cultural change for young people" and that the Government was working on legislation due to be before Parliament soon.
The law changes being considered included making sure there was clear parental responsibility for hosting parties, and changes to the alcohol content in drinks.
"But I think it's more than just the law change," Mr Key said.
"It's very unlikely we can tie up young people in cotton wool and pretend that they'll never get access to alcohol. The main point is ultimately about the culture we have and I think the culture has to change.
"I think we do need to get to a point where youngsters realise they can drink and they don't need to drink to get drunk."
Mr Key said the change had to be led by both parents and Government.
Three students from King's College died last year, including James Webster, 16, who collapsed unconscious after drinking spirits at a birthday party in Auckland in May. He was taken to a friend's home to sleep it off but was found dead the next morning.
In the same month Michael Treffers, 15, died in hospital after falling from an Auckland motorway bridge.
In February of that year William Thode, also 15, died in his sleep from a rare viral heart disease.
Mr Fenner said the school had done a lot of work communicating with students and parents about the dangers of alcohol following James Webster's death.
"I think it is an issue for society as a whole. I think it's a very good thing that issues relating to drugs and alcohol and young people are on the front page and being discussed."
Mr Fenner said the focus in the past day had been on helping students and parents cope with the tragedy.
