An alleged armed carjacking resulted in a stolen vehicle being spiked yesterday. Police say they found this firearm, and a man has been charged. Photo / NZ Police

A Whangārei student was left shaken after an armed man allegedly confronted her outside her school and stole her car.

A 26-year-old will appear in Whangārei District Court today, charged with aggravated robbery with an offensive weapon, failing to stop and reckless driving.

In an email to parents, Whangārei Girls’High School deputy principal Katrina Sylva said the man approached the student as she was returning to her car on Lupton Ave and then allegedly took her car.

Sylva said the young woman was shaken but physically unharmed.

The school was not aware of any other students witnessing the incident.

Detective Senior Sergeant Aaron Crawford said police were called just after 2pm.

The vehicle was driven north towards the Kamo Bypass. After receiving several reports of its location, police deployed road spikes north of the Whakapara Bridge.

“The car was subsequently spiked north of the Whakapara Bridge and came to a stop in Matawaia, where the alleged offender was quickly taken into custody.”

Sylva said anyone affected by the incident could connect with the counselling team at the school’s Student Support Centre.

“We thank police for their swift response.”

The Advocate has approached Whangārei Girls’ High School for further comment.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.