Armed police have cordoned off an area in the Nelson suburb of Hope as they look for a man wanted for threatening behaviour at a business in Appleby, Richard, this morning.
The public is asked to avoid the Bateup, Paton, Hart and Collins Rds area of Richmond.
The wanted man is described as in his 30s, of medium to solid build, about 1.8m tall. He has "many" tattoos.
Anyone who sees a man acting suspiciously in the area should call police immediately on 111.