Two schools, an early childhood centre, and a medical centre are in lockdown in the Bay of Plenty town of Katikati as armed police hunt for a person of interest.

Katikati College said in a social media post it has been directed by police to go into lockdown following an incident in the area. It said all students were safe and accounted for.

“We are awaiting the all clear from the Police and will advise the community when we receive this. In the meantime, please do not come into school and avoid contacting the school so that we are able to keep communication lines open.

Police and ambulance at the intersection of Beach Rd and Park Rd.  Photo / Supplied.

“We appreciate that this may be a difficult time for everyone as we work through this situation. Please be assured that everyone on the school site is safe. Thank you for your support during this time.”

A parent of a primary school student who had been visiting the college told NZME she had gone to collect her child when she was told the school was in lockdown.

“I think at the end of the day, the school’s doing the right thing and the police are doing everything they should, so, so you’re not concerned, you’re just patiently waiting.”

Police on Beach Rd in Katikati. Photo / Supplied.

Katikati Primary School also posted that the school was in lockdown.

“All children are safe and accounted for. Awaiting instructions from police.

Parents were asked not to call or come to the school, and to check Facebook for updates.

A police spokesman confirmed they were making inquiries to locate a person of interest in Katikati.

Armed police at the intersection of Beach Rd and Park Rd in Katikati.  Photo / Supplied.

Robin’s Nest early childcare centre told the Bay of Plenty Times it was in lockdown at the request of police.

A caller to SunLive said police had cordoned off Beach Rd and armed officers were “standing guard” at the Polley Cres and Park Rd intersections.

Traffic was being diverted around those streets, the caller said.

The SunLive caller said about 15 children and about five teachers had been evacuated from the Robin’s Nest centre by a police officer.

“They seemed all calm and collected.”

Some of the children waved at police as they walked past.

Some parents were waiting for their children and went to greet them.

Emergency services at an incident in Katikati. Photo / Supplied.

 

Parents and bystanders were gathered near Katikati College and a nearby dairy.

“There are some parents wanting to know when it’s all going to lift, but no one is too concerned at this stage.”

At 12.50pm, the caller said police wearing all black had arrived, and a St John unit had set up nearby.

Katikati Medical Centre said on its Facebook page that it had been directed by police to go into lockdown.

“We ask that people stay away for the time being and we will update when we have further information. While this is in place we kindly ask that people refrain from phoning the practice unless necessary at this time.”