A group of people were taken hostage at a BNZ bank in Rotorua but they were released uninjured about an hour later (file picture). Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
An eyewitness who saw a man hold several people hostage at BNZ in Rotorua this afternoon says the scene was like something from a movie.
Police were called to the BNZ office on Amohau Street just before 4pm this afternoon after a man entered the bank and took people hostage.
A storeowner across the road said more than 15 armed police were on site and asked the stores nearby to lock up and stay inside.
Ebony O'Brien, who works at a Mexican restaurant across the road, was stopped by armed police as she tried to get to work.
"We saw lots of people with guns ... dogs and we could see the people inside, like the guy he was kind of like he was just waiting around like he was talking to the officers through the windows," she said
Another eyewitness said police were communicating with the man from outside the store and an hour after they arrived the hostages were released.
Soon after the man came out with his hands on his head and laid on the ground, O'Brien said.
Witnesses clapped as the man was arrested, she said.
BNZ said it was supporting those who were held hostage at its Rotorua branch this afternoon.
Chief executive Dan Huggins thanked the actions of the police and said he was glad the BNZ staff and customers were safe.
Cordons were in place on Amohau Street but have now been removed.
Police said a scene guard would remain at the bank.