Bryan Hall. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Staff at an Auckland TV production firm cannot explain why they were targeted in an anthrax scare, but say the white powder looked more like talcum than a deadly poison.
Envelopes containing white powder and a note saying "Anthrax" arrived at Greenstone Productions and at TVNZ yesterday morning.
They were sent on Friday and at least one had a return address on the back.
About 40 people were evacuated from Greenstone but staff said it was more procedural than out of concern for safety.
"It's more a pain in the arse, as Monday mornings are always busy," said general manager Bryan Hall.
He said the receptionist was opening the mail at the Dominion Rd offices at 9am when she discovered the envelope, which had a return address on the back.
Police were called. Four people, including Mr Hall and the receptionist, went through a "very, very cold" decontamination shower.
The building was cordoned off until the specialist search group arrived to isolate the envelope.
The bomb squad was then brought in to test the powder, which did not test positive for anthrax.
Asked why someone would send white powder to the company, Mr Hall replied: "Somebody has got a warped sense of humour, I think."
At TVNZ, an envelope containing similar powder and a note was put into a plastic bag until police arrived. Staff decided not to leave the building.
Police spokeswoman Noreen Hegarty said the substance received by both organisations was tested by the Defence Force's northern improvised explosive device team and was not considered dangerous.
Acting Detective Sergeant Duncan Hall said it would be some time before the substance was identified, but it was believed to be powdered fertiliser.
Police hoped they would be able to identify the sender.
"There is some information on the envelopes that will be followed up."
