Courts in Wellington and Palmerston North were evacuated on this Monday morning after separate bomb threats prompted swift police responses and building clearances.
The Wellington District Court was the first to be evacuated around 10:45am, with police dog units arriving on the scene shortly before noon. Security personnel instructed people to move well away from the courthouse, leading to dozens gathering outside nearby buildings, including the Supreme Court. Ballance Street and surrounding areas were cordoned off as a precaution.
Shortly afterward, Palmerston North District Court faced a similar threat. Court attendees were told to evacuate on foot, and small crowds formed along Main Street as police and security teams secured the area. Staff at the scene said they were uncertain how long the evacuation would last.
“We were just told to get out, and then there were police everywhere,” said one court visitor.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the two incidents are connected. Police said investigations are ongoing but did not provide further details at this stage.
The evacuations caused significant disruption to court proceedings in both cities, and there is no word yet on when the buildings will reopen.
Anyone with further information is urged to contact the Police.
