Orewa's CBD reopens after evacuation

Orewa's CBD was evacuated for several hours today amid fears there may have been a chemical spill. Photo / Supplied

Orewa's central business district has re-opened after being locked down amid fears there may have been a chemical spill.

The Hibiscus Coast town was evacuated as fire crews investigated.

Fire Service Spokesman, Scott Osmond, says they were concerned about the unusual smell that pervaded the centre of Orewa for several hours.

"It has been identified as a smell caused by weed spray used by the council," he told Newstalk ZB, "there's no hazard to anyone's health and the area's now safe for public access and re-opened."

Osmond said it was just the smell that was unpleasant and that there had been no complaints from people irritated by the spray.

- NEWSTALK ZB