All Black captain locked in school hall waiting for his children during massacre

At about 4pm on Friday, Read posted a picture on Instagram of an empty school hall saying he was waiting for his children.

"Sending my thoughts to all victims today," the Instagram story read. "Locked in the school hall waiting for the girls."

Read has three children, two of whom – girls Elle and Eden – attend primary school.

The Herald reported that the school in Papanui was on such high alert the children were allowed only a little water as they weren't allowed access to toilets.

It is believed the children have all returned home safely.