White powder alert at NZ Post centre

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White powder found at a New Zealand Post centre in Auckland today has been identified as baking powder.

Police northern communications inspector Steve Kose said three staff from the Highbrook centre in East Tamaki found the powder in a blank envelope at about 10am.

The Fire Service and Defence Force were alerted to the incident about 2pm.

Tests showed it was baking powder, Mr Kose said.

The staff opened the envelope because it had "no identifiable marks'' on it.