The principal of Tolaga Bay Area School & Kahukuranui in New Zealand has publicly asked a nearby cannabis grower to relocate their plants, citing a strong odor affecting the school grounds. In a letter posted to the school's Facebook page, principal Tania Mulligan wrote, "To the person growing cannabis near our school... please move your dope to dry somewhere else." She described the smell as "pungent" and said it was wafting onto school property.
The incident occurred in the Gisborne District on New Zealand's East Coast. The school serves students from years 1 to 13. Principal Mulligan's letter, shared in March 2026, emphasized the inappropriateness of the smell for a school environment. She stated the odor was noticeable to both staff and students on the grounds.
Under New Zealand law, the smell of cannabis can be considered a nuisance under the Resource Management Act. The Gisborne District Council confirmed it had received a complaint regarding the matter and was making inquiries. The principal's direct public appeal highlights community concerns over legal personal cannabis use impacting shared spaces.
