During the past four months, pupils at Queens High School have had their sense of security boosted by the school's health committee, which has been running self-defence classes.
Committee co-leader Emma Taylor (18) said up to 80 pupils had attended the weekly sessions, which were funded by the Government's Mission On Schools Challenge which promotes healthier lifestyles for school pupils.
"We wanted to get the girls physically active and to provide more opportunities for them to get physically active. Plus it gives the girls self-confidence, because it gives them tools to defend themselves in awkward situations. This gives the girls confidence to go places and feel safe."
During the sessions, the girls have been taught by New Zealand Fight and Fitness Academy instructors Ryan Henry and Holly Marr about how to fend off attackers, defend themselves from knife attacks and exploit an attacker's vulnerabilities.
"It's physical activity in disguise. The girls don't even realise they are doing it because they are having so much fun," Emma said.
The self-defence classes were just one of many initiatives the committee had organised for the welfare of pupils at the school, she said.
Last year, it organised for everyone at the school to have their own drink bottle, and for the future it had plans to bring in a motivational speaker.
