Waikato police incident: Man in custody after family harm call to Parawera

Cordons were in place and armed police called to the incident in rural Waikato.

A man is in custody after a family harm incident in rural Waikato this afternoon.

Armed police and Hato Hone St John were called just before 12.50pm to an incident on Mellsop Rd, Parawera, between Arapuni and Kihikihi.

“Mellsop Rd, Parawera, is currently closed due to a police incident,” a police spokesperson said at the time.

“Some staff are armed as a precaution.”

Cordons were in place near Arapuni Rd and the public was asked to avoid the area.

“There is not believed to be any risk to the wider public at this time,” the spokesperson said.

Te Awamutu College informed parents that because of the road closure, bus 13 would be detoured via Puahue Rd and Monckton Rd.

“Any students who get off the bus before Parawera Marae on Arapuni Rd need to be picked up from school,” the school said on social media.

In an update, Waikato West Area Commander Inspector Andrew Mortimore said a man had been taken into custody and charges were pending.

“Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to this incident,” Mortimore said.

“Police remain at Mellsop Rd for the time being, but remaining cordons on that road will be lifted this evening.”