A school in Canterbury has been criticised for requiring students to carry “culturally inappropriate” passes permitting them to wear “incorrect uniform items” such as pounamu.

The principal has apologised and is expected to further explain the issue this morning.

Ashburton Intermediate’s laminated passes include the student’s name and class and specify the “incorrect uniform item” they have been permitted to wear.

“Student must present pass on request,” it states.

A photograph of one of the passes was shared on social media over the weekend.

“A Facebook friend sent this to me today. It seems if you wanna be Māori at Ashburton Intermediate you have to carry this pass and present it to anyone who asks you for it,” the person who posted it said.

“It’s giving Apartheid South Africa. It’s giving ‘you can, but only when WE say’.”

An image of the pass was shared on Facebook. Photo / Facebook

Facebook users were outraged.

“That’s disgusting,” one person said.

“Pounamu is part of our culture, and it’s a taonga that holds deep spiritual significance. It’s not just an accessory. I don’t see why Māori students should need a pass to wear something that represents their identity and heritage,” said another.

A further comment read: “That’s why you just need to send your kids to kura Māori.”

Principal Brent Gray said a full statement would be provided this morning.

The first statement from the school in response to the matter. Photo / Facebook

On Saturday he responded to the situation on Facebook.

“We have been made aware that as part of our uniform pass system, we have issued passes that are culturally inappropriate,” Gray said.

“Thank you to those who have brought this to our attention and be assured that this is something that we will rectify immediately.

“Our sincere apologies to anyone we have offended.”