‘Goths’ cult linked to pupil deaths

Press, 23 September 1988, Page 3

‘Goths’ cult linked to pupil deaths

PA Auckland A schoolgirl who placed a death notice signalling her intent to join a cult-related suicide pact on the North Shore was safe at Takapuna Grammar School yesterday. She was being seen by a counsellor, the school said. The fourth-former’s boyfriend, aged 16, was found dead in a parked car at Lake Pupuke on Tuesday. She placed a death notice for him in Wednesday’s "Auckland Star” which said: “Be with you soon.” The boy’s death came after his placing a similar advertisement in the “Star” in July after the death in a car at Narrow Neck beach of another youth, aged 16. All three were followers of a youth-based cult known as “goths.” Takapuna Grammar School’s principal, Mr Tony Steele, said the

apparent pact which might be linked to the deaths of the two pupils was “bizarre and extremely worrying.”

“At times like this we. try to exercise strength in the schools and to be an island of stability and common sense for pupils and parents,” he said. Mr Steele disputed that the teenagers belonged to a cult. “It is a group of students across Auckland who share an interest in a style of dress and music. Many years ago we had hippies and then there were punks. This is another group. “They tend to be morbid and introspective and feed off dangerous video material. I am talking of horror videos. “The makers of these should be feeling a deep sense of responsibility for the deaths of these young boys.” Takapuna police met representatives of North Shore schools and

psychologists to assess apparent suicide problems. Asked if there might be other teenagers in danger, Sergeant Tony Lancaster, of the community affairs section at Takapuna, would only say that schools had been asked to identify any other people “at risk” and give them help immediately. Sergeant Lancaster said police had become aware of certain links between the two boys’ deaths on Tuesday and July 20. “Gothic” music is post-punk and focuses on depressing lyrics. Devotees generally dress in black with white makeup. A third pupil, aged 16, of another North Shore school, found dead with his father’s .22 rifle beside him was also linked with the “goths,” but police said he might not have known the other two dead boys.