A 37-year-old male was arrested by armed police who descended on a busy shopping area in West Auckland today.
Locals reported seeing multiple police cars, police dogs and armed police on Vitasovich Ave, near K Mart Henderson and other shops.
One woman, posting on social media, said she saw "five people up against the wall" and police blocking both ends of the road. Photos from a passing motorist showed police holding rifles at the end of a cordon at the Millbrook Rd, View Rd and Vitasovich Rd lights.
Police attended about 1.15pm to a report of someone with a firearm, possibly an air rifle, a spokeswoman said. Armed officers attended, along with the armed response team.
A man was arrested and charged with presenting a firearm at a person, wilful damage and threatening to kill or cause grievous bodily harm.
The 37-year-old will appear in Waitakere District Court tomorrow, the spokeswoman said.
There were no reports of injuries.