Suspicious envelope in Bay of Plenty

The Western Bay District Council Head Office this morning. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

A suspicious envelope containing red powder has been found at the Western Bay of Plenty District Council this morning.

Police and the Fire Service are currently on site after an employee in the council's mailroom opened the package, which contained the powder. Emergency services arrived shortly before 8.30am.

Northern fire communications shift commander Scott Osmond said part of the building has been isolated and those who were in the area at the time are being spoken to.

"The people who are affected may have to be decontaminated.''

Mr Osmond said there was no accompanying note or explanation inside the envelope where the powder was found and it was not known whether it was addressed to anyone.