A Hastings woman who went to check her mail yesterday, discovered what was initially thought to be a grenade inside the letterbox.
Police were called to Alexandra St just after noon and discovered an object, which was later determined to be firework.
"It had a strong smell of smoke, like a cap gun and was shaped like a grenade so I called police," said the Parkvale woman, who did not want to be named.
"We had our puppy stolen yesterday, there's been quite a few burglaries in the area - it seems they are doing the rounds, so I'm not sure if it's connected to that."
Houses in the immediate area were evacuated and cordons set up from Albert St to Jervois St and Sylvan Rd to Willowpark Rd. The Fire Brigade from Napier and St John Ambulance were put on standby - fortunately no one was injured during the incident.