A man has been taken into custody following an incident at a bank in Amohau Street, Rotorua this afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the property at around 3.55pm today, after a man entered the property and took a group of people hostage.
The hostages were released from the bank at 4.50pm and were uninjured.
The alleged offender has been taken into police custody.
Cordons remain in place in Amohau Street and members of the public are asked to follow the directions of emergency services personnel at the scene.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.