Tauranga homes evacuated after suspicious package found in Matua; bomb squad stood down after item cleared

One person appears to be padded up in a bomb suit as part of the response to the incident. Photo / SunLive

“The Police Specialist Search Group along with the New Zealand Defence Force have been notified to assist with the item,” said police.

Photos from the scene showed at least two police cars and two vans responding to the incident.

At least two police cars and two vans responded to the report of a suspicious package. Photo / SunLive

One man also appeared to be padded up in a bomb suit.

Matua is a suburb in the west of Tauranga, with Rewarewa Place located in its south near the waterfront.

Rewarewa Place is near the waterfront in Matua, a suburb in the west of Tauranga. Photo / Google Maps