Police are reassuring central city residents not to be alarmed if they see specialist armed units practising in the city in the early hours of tomorrow morning (Thursday 28 November).
Members of the National Special Tactics Group (STG) will be carrying out a routine training exercise involving the use of a helicopter and STG members being lowered on ropes onto Wellington Central Police station, between 1.00am and 3.00am Thursday.
Commander National Tactical Groups, Superintendent Bruce Dunstan, says nearby residents may hear some noise from the helicopter, but that this should be relatively brief.
Unit members will also be carrying out an exercise this evening (Wednesday 27 November) at 9pm around the Interislander ferry terminal, but Mr Dunstan says any presence will be low key.
During the exercises staff will be deployed in full tactical kit and will be carrying weapons. The exercise will be overseen by Police assessors.
"This means that people should not be alarmed if they happen to see armed Police in and around these areas during these times."
ENDS
Police media contact: Ross Henderson, ph 04 470 7316 or 027 703 7329.