Armed police at the hospital entrance stopping people. Photo: RNZ / Calvin Samuel
Police have arrested a person after a threatening phone call saw Tauranga Hospital plunged into lockdown for five hours.
Tauranga Hospital said just before midday on Thursday it had received a "threatening phone call from a member of the public".
The hospital had been locked down as a precaution.
Armed officers were at each entrance stopping visitors from entering.
Armed police seen at Tauranga Hospital. Photo: RNZ / Calvin Samuel
However, the emergency department remained open throughout the lockdown and patients could attend appointments at their scheduled time, the hospital said.
Police said the armed officers were there to "provide reassurance", but they were "confident" there was no immediate threat to staff, patients or the premises.
About 4.40pm, police said a person had been taken into custody over the incident.
The lockdown had now been lifted, police said.
An RNZ reporter said there were about 50 people in the carpark earlier while the incident was unfolding.