Guards posted at homes of two Tauranga City Council staff members

Council chief executive Garry Poole confirmed security staff had been in place at two senior staff members' homes for the past two weeks. Photo / File

Security guards have been posted at the homes of two senior Tauranga City Council staff members after what the council says are "concerning statements" on social media and "inappropriate behaviour".

The staff members are the subject of comments posted on social media after Bella Vista Homes was liquidated and 21 houses built by the firm were evacuated.

Meanwhile, the police are investigating an alleged assault of one of the security guards last week outside one of the staff members' homes at The Lakes.

Council chief executive Garry Poole said he would not specifically discuss what the concerning comments were or what the inappropriate behaviour was.

He confirmed security staff had been in place at two senior staff members' homes for the past two weeks.

"There have been a number of concerning statements made on social media, which were directed at council staff. We are also aware of inappropriate behaviour towards our staff in public. We will not discuss those specifically," he said.

"We take the health and safety of our staff seriously, and because of this we have engaged security."

Police said they were aware of council concerns. The council-contracted guard who was allegedly assaulted suffered injuries consistent with a blow to the side of the head between 10.30pm and 10.40pm last Tuesday, the police said.

The guard received medical treatment, but the injuries were not serious.

Detective Sergeant Darryl Brazier said no one had been arrested and no independent witnesses had come forward.

Poole said the alleged assault was an ongoing police matter and encouraged anyone with information to come forward.

He said the council would reveal the cost of the security when it was available.