Road reopens after armed police search Bay property north of Tauranga

Armed officers were among the large police contingent that carried out a search warrant north of Tauranga this evening.

Officers cordoned off a section of Te Puna Rd between Armstrong and Te Puna Station roads for about an hour shortly after 5pm.

The road cordon was reduced about 6.20pm and Te Puna Rd was reopened to allow residents and other motorists through but a large police presence remained in place.

A reporter at the scene said the search appeared to centre on one property.

She counted more than 17 police vehicles at the scene.

By 7pm AOS members started to leave followed by some uniformed police but several officers remained at the scene, including Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner.

Turner said he would not publicly comment on the reason for the search at that point but expected to release a statement.

A police spokeswoman said earlier that police were carrying out a "pre-planned search warrant" and there was no danger to the public.

Members of the Armed Offenders Squad were assisting and the public was advised to avoid the area.

Callers to the Bay of Plenty Times said a fleet of police cars was seen speeding west along State Highway 2 about 5.10pm.