Police advised anyone carrying any sort of firearm, real or not, in a public place could place themselves at risk. Photo / File
Canterbury Police have responded to several firearm incidents overnight, with four involving imitation guns.
Police seized a weapon when a car was stopped in the Christchurch area.
It is unknown whether charges were laid.
Police also found four imitation guns in four separate areas which included Papanui, Riccarton and Colombo St.
Officers have spoken to several people about the incident.
The seizures in Christchurch came after a 16-year-old was arrested for allegedly waving an imitation pistol outside New Plymouth Library last weekend.
Police advised anyone carrying any sort of firearm, real or not, in a public place could place themselves at risk.
A spokesperson stated plastic replica guns make guns looked very realistic and it was hard to determine if they were real or fake.
Police officers attending these types of incidents treat all weapons as being real and capable of serious harm.
Health Minister Simeon Brown: 'I want to see this dispute resolved.'