Police to be armed as country's threat level remains high

Frontline police staff will now be armed across the country following the Christchurch massacre last Friday.

This comes after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern raised the national threat level from low to high after the attack.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addressing media after the Christchurch mosque shooting.

A police spokesperson said for operational reasons, they are not discussing the location of armed police.

However, they could confirm that across New Zealand, the public would see that, as required, frontline staff were armed.

"The national threat level remains high, and our vigilance and visible presence will continue at this time."