At about 8.15 am today emergency services were called to the Work and Income Offices on Durham Street, Levin after an amount of an unknown white crystal type substance was discovered spread across the ground near the front doors to the building.
The building was evacuated and the area cordoned off by Police and the Fire Service. The Fire Service Hazardous Materials Team responded and the substance has been uplifted. Police are working to identify what it is.
The WINZ building remains closed and a cordon in place as a precautionary measure until the nature of the substance is determined. Police are hopeful that the building will reopen later this afternoon, Senior Sergeant Sarn Paroli said.
"Until we are able to determine the nature of the substance involved, the matter is being treated seriously as a precaution. We are keen to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area of the WINZ building last night or has any other information about the incident. Anyone with information can contact the Levin Police on 06 366 0500 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111"
ENDS