Police are being called to schools about 40 times every week of the academic year to deal with behaviour teachers say they cannot handle.
Figures issued under the Official Information Act show officers were called out an average of 1531 times each year from 1998 to deal with violence, drugs or sex offences.
Last year, they were called 1658 times.
The number of calls over violent offences jumped 27% in the past decade - from 869 to 1064.
Total school enrolments rose only 4% from 2001 to 2009 and lobbyists say the rise in offences is alarming.
Frances Nelson, president of the New Zealand Educational Institute, the union representing more than 48,000 primary and early childhood teachers and staff, said schoolchildren had become more violent in recent years.
That, coupled with tighter occupational health and safety guidelines, meant schools often felt they had no choice but to call the police.
"It's about the increase in the type of violence, the number of incidents and perceived threat to the teachers, other staff and students. You cannot take a risk," Ms Nelson said.
Ernie Buutveld, president of the New Zealand Principals Federation, which represents 2300 school heads, said community groups, Ministry of Education representatives, the police and principals agreed legislation would not fix the problem of violence in schools.
A solution should involve all parties working together.
These groups will address school violence at a meeting in Wellington on March 16 and 17.
The gathering will also look at suspending and standing down pupils.
In most situations this is discouraged, but Mr Buutveld said such action was often needed in order to "deflate the situation".
Bob McCoskrie, national director of the Family First lobby group, said it was time for action to protect pupils and teachers.
"We have forgotten about the rights of law-abiding kids to feel safe, to not have disruption in the classroom, not be intimidated and be free of violence and bullying in the workplace."
Mr McCoskrie said he was concerned schools were discouraged from suspending or standing down their pupils but encouraged to bring in police officers full-time.
Manurewa High School has had a police officer onsite for nine years.
The officer is full-time.
Principal Richard Thornton said it seemed a necessary measure for a school in the "tough part of town".
Mr Thornton said the officer's presence made a huge difference to violence and bullying rates.
