Police say a situation which required an armed response in Whakatane this morning has now been resolved.
Roads were cordoned this morning as police said they were dealing with a situation on Salonika St which required them to restrict access to the surrounding area.
Whakatane police had responded to a call at an address in Salonika St at 10am regarding a person seen with a firearm looking agitated.
Armed police cordoned off the area and advised local schools and day cares to keep children inside.
A short time later police stopped a vehicle leaving the address and found a firearm in his vehicle.
The driver has been arrested and is assisting police with their inquiries.
All cordons have now been removed and schools and daycare centres in the area have been advised.
A reporter at the scene earlier today said armed police were guarding the cordons to Salonika St and a small crowd was beginning to gather.
She said Whakatane High School was within the cordoned area.
Police had warned that the public should not try to enter the following areas: King St, Goulstone Rd, Commerce St, Alexander Ave, Douglas St and Crete St.
Roads and streets around Salonika St are now open to all traffic and pedestrians.
Police thanked the public for co-operation and understanding during the incident.