Tauranga homes evacuated after suspicious package found in Matua; bomb squad stood down after item cleared

The Police Specialist Search Group and the New Zealand Defence Force responded to a report of a suspicious package in Matua. Photo / SunLive

Residents of a quiet Tauranga street were evacuated after army bomb disposal experts were called in to deal with reports of a suspicious package.

Police said the item has now been cleared and there was no cause for concern.

Emergency services received a report about 11.50am Saturday from someone who found what they believed to be a suspicious package on a residential road in Matua.

Police said they evacuated residents around Rewarewa Place as a precaution and put a cordon in place.

One person appears to be padded up in a bomb suit as part of the response to the incident. Photo / SunLive

“The Police Specialist Search Group along with the New Zealand Defence Force have been notified to assist with the item,” said police.

Photos from the scene showed at least two police cars and two vans responding to the incident.

At least two police cars and two vans responded to the report of a suspicious package. Photo / SunLive

One man also appeared to be padded up in a bomb suit.

Matua is a suburb in the west of Tauranga, with Rewarewa Place located in its south near the waterfront.

Rewarewa Place is near the waterfront in Matua, a suburb in the west of Tauranga. Photo / Google Maps