Man charged after Northland police find him with machete down pants

Police say they located a machete down the inside of a 31-year-old's pants in Paihia on Sunday. Photo / NZME

Northland police have charged a wanted man with possession of an offensive weapon after he was found with a machete shoved down his pants.

Operation Waitangi patrollers spotted the 31-year-old who had a warrant for his arrest walking along Selwyn St in Paihia on Sunday afternoon.

Northland District prevention manager Inspector Dean Robinson said officers arrested the man and conducted a search where they located a machete down the inside of his pants.

Robinson said the incident was an example of police keeping offensive weapons out of the community.

The man was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Whangārei District Court later this month.

Police said Operation Waitangi was well under way. They have partnered with iwi and the Waitangi National Trust to ensure safe celebrations this week.

Large numbers were expected to descend over Waitangi in the coming days.

Suspicious behaviour can be reported to police on 111 immediately or via 105 after the fact.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.