Evacuation after white powder found at Japanese Embassy in Wellington

Photo / File / Wayne Drought

The Japanese Embassy has been evacuated after white powder was found at its central Wellington office today.

The powder was discovered spilled on the 18th or 19th storey of the Majestic Centre on Willis St, just before 2.30pm, police said.

The immediate area has been evacuated and some streets have been blocked off.

Central fire communications shift manager Mike Wanoa said a decontamination area was being set up for those who came in contact with the powder.

"We're waiting for the Ministry of Defence's explosive ordinance group to attend and confirm the substance."

Four fire trucks and Hazmat units were at the scene, Mr Wanoa said.