Police at Papatoetoe Work and Income: One in hospital, one arrested after ‘altercation’

Police and Hato Hone St John Ambulance were seen outside a Ministry of Social Development Work and Income office on Great South Rd, Papatoetoe, just after 2pm.

One person has been rushed to hospital and another has been arrested following an altercation at a South Auckland Work and Income office this afternoon.

Police and Hato Hone St John Ambulance were seen outside a Ministry of Social Development (MSD) office on Great South Rd, Papatoetoe, just after 2pm.

A spokeswoman for police said they were called to an incident at a “premises on Great South Rd”.

She said it appeared two people got into an altercation.

One person was injured and was taken to hospital. Police took one person into custody and their inquiries were ongoing.

Police and Hato Hone St John Ambulance were seen outside a Ministry of Social Development Work and Income office on Great South Rd, Papatoetoe, just after 2pm.

MSD’s Southern Auckland regional commissioner Jules Lynch told the Herald the Papatoetoe Service Centre was closed after an altercation.

“No [MSD] staff were involved,” Lynch said.

She said the office re-opened at 3.30pm.

“The safety and security of our clients and staff are our priorities, [so] police were called,” she said.

Lynch deferred any further questions to police. St John Ambulance has been approached for comment.

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.