Teen wants old school rule changed after originally being banned from attending ball

A Palmerston North teen who was almost rejected from attending his high school ball is now calling for a longstanding rule to be changed.

Palmerston North Boys' High School told Zain Collins that he would not be able to attend the ball as he didn't have a date, a rule dating back 102 years.

But after sharing his story on Seven Sharp, the 16-year-old found a ball date at the 11th hour and was then allowed to attend.

However, Collins believes the old school ball rule needs to be changed labelling the protocol as "unfair".

The 16-year-old told Fairfax some teens struggle to find dates, while others "can't really find it in themselves" to ask someone out.

"I would just like the policy to be changed, then people can be welcomed to the ball," he said.

Zain's mother, Melanie Collins, originally thought her son had been misinformed, however, after phoning the school she was informed he was in fact not allowed to attend due to the date rule.

She told Seven Sharp Zain "just felt suckish" when he was told he couldn't go.

She said she doesn't have a personal issue with the school but takes offence to the one rule for its school ball.

Boys' Principal Dave Bovey said in a statement the ball is a formal occasion and tradition has to be upheld.

"The function would effectively then no longer be a formal school ball and would, in essence, be no different to any other Saturday night party."

The family fear they'll receive backlash but said they wanted to speak up for any other young adults going through the same issues.

• This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission.